Polish firm partners with BAE Systems for M88 Hercules maintenance
The Poznań Military Automotive Works has signed a contract with BAE Systems to service M88 Hercules recovery vehicles, which operate in the Polish military alongside Abrams tanks. This contract marks the culmination of prolonged efforts towards WZM's certification, confirming the Polish company's ability to manage American equipment effectively.
The agreement between BAE Systems and the Military Automotive Works outlines that M88A2 Hercules vehicles (Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift and Evacuation), used by Poland, will be maintained in Poznań. The scope of work includes both regular maintenance and repair operations.
The M88A2 Hercules vehicles arrived in Poland alongside Abrams tanks, with the role of acting as recovery vehicles for them. Poland has ordered a total of 38 of these vehicles, intended to work with M1A1 and M1A2 tanks.
M88A2, though the primary recovery vehicle of the US Army, is technically outdated, having been designed in the 1950s and constructed using components from the M48 tank.
M88A2 recovery vehicle
Unlike most modern recovery vehicles, the M88A2 is primarily used as an evacuation vehicle for towing damaged tanks. Although BAE Systems representatives highlight that the Hercules is capable of towing Abrams tanks, in practice, due to the weight of the American tanks, two M88A2 vehicles are required for their effective evacuation.
The advantage of the M88A2 is its high-capacity crane, which allows it to lift any component of the Abrams, including the turret and propulsion system. However, its functionality is limited by its fixed crane arm—maneuvering the entire vehicle is necessary to use the crane effectively.
The US Army is aware of the limitations of the current recovery vehicle, which is why there is ongoing development of its successor, the M88A3 variant, which will boast significantly enhanced capabilities, including the ability to tow an Abrams tank independently.
