The U.S. Army has confirmed that the new version of the armored recovery vehicle M88A3 is undergoing reliability testing (RAM) at the Yuma Proving Ground, marking a crucial step in ensuring the effectiveness and durability of the mentioned vehicle.
The evaluations are being coordinated by test officer Yoselyn Vargas from the U.S. Army’s Combat Automotive Systems Division, who stated, “It is very important to verify that the vehicle is capable of operating with the intended capabilities. Since the upgrades are new, the tests also ensure that the capabilities are functional (…) The key goal was to increase the towing capacity of the old vehicle from 70 tons to 80 tons in the new version. While modern vehicles have become heavier, this overall modification allows the new version of the vehicle to effectively recover damaged tanks from the battlefield.”
Regarding the armored recovery vehicle M88A3, it is known to be the new proposal from BAE Systems to address the load limitations of the A2 model, which required two units to recover a disabled M1 Abrams tank. The M88A3 version, also known as Hercules, is capable of performing this task with the use of a single unit, greatly reducing logistical and operational costs. In terms of autonomy, the two M88A3 vehicles that were tested in Yuma have each traveled about 3,000 miles and have been able to easily carry the 80 tons stipulated in their design.
The testing process began in March and is expected to continue throughout the year 2024. Regarding the bases involved, the tests have not been limited to the U.S. Army’s testing base in Yuma, Arizona; the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland has also been involved. In the latter case, four M88A3 vehicles are undergoing RAM testing among other relevant tests.
It is worth noting that the program that led to the A3 version of the M88 vehicle began in 2019 when the U.S. Army awarded BAE Systems a $318 million contract to upgrade the M88A2s in the arsenal. In this regard, the M88A3 model features improvements in its suspension system, tracks, and the addition of a seventh wheel that enhances its maneuverability and speed.
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