BAE Systems secures contract with US Army for M88A2 Hercules recovery vehicles.

BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P. was recently awarded a $36.39 million contract modification. Identified as contract W56HZV-23-C-0078, this agreement involves the supply of M88A2 Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift and Evacuation System (HERCULES) vehicles. The project's completion is scheduled in York, with an estimated date of August 31, 2025.
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M88A2 Hercules Recovery Vehicle off of a railcar at Fort Pickett. (Picture source: US DoD)

BAE Systems, security, and aerospace companies have a rich history that dates back to its inception in 1999, following the merger of two major defense contractors, British Aerospace (BAe) and Marconi Electronic Systems (MES). British Aerospace itself was a product of several mergers and nationalizations of British aircraft and defense equipment manufacturers starting in the 1970s.

Over the years, BAE Systems has expanded its operations through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, enhancing its technological capabilities and global reach. The company has played a pivotal role in the development of various sophisticated military systems, including aircraft, naval ships, submarines, and advanced electronics. With its headquarters in London, BAE Systems operates worldwide, serving government and commercial customers in over 40 countries, and it is known for its commitment to innovation and excellence in the defense and aerospace sectors.

Funded by the Army's fiscal 2023 budget, this initiative specifically allocates funds for the procurement of weapons and armored combat vehicles. The Army Contracting Command in Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, oversees this contractual activity, highlighting the strategic significance of this project in military operations.

The M88A2 HERCULES, a robust and versatile recovery vehicle, is a U.S. design and used by several allies, including Australia, Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Poland, Thailand, and the United States. This vehicle is essential for battlefield recovery operations due to its power.

Equipped with a 12.7 mm machine gun, it is designed to offer optimal protection against 30 mm caliber projectiles and 152 mm shell splinters, enhanced by additional armor. Weighing 63,050 kg, it can reach speeds of up to 48 km/h on roads.

The vehicle is also equipped with an NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection system, two winches, an auxiliary power unit, and various recovery tools. These equipments ensure its performance in hostile environments. In terms of dimensions, the M88A2 is 8.58 meters long, 3.67 meters wide, and 3.22 meters high, accommodating a crew of three. Its maximum road range is 480 kilometers.

This year, BAE Systems has secured several contracts for the sale of its military vehicles, such as the AMPV, M109A7, M992A3, and the Bradley M2A4 and M7A4. However, it is not specified what exactly this contract modification between BAE Systems and the US Army entails, as BAE Systems has not yet communicated about this modification.