Poland strengthens military partnerships with Hercules contract
The Poznań Military Automotive Works has signed a contract with BAE Systems to service M88 Hercules recovery vehicles, used alongside Abrams tanks in the Polish military. This contract is the result of extensive efforts leading to WZM's certification, which confirms the Polish company's ability to handle American equipment.
The agreement between BAE Systems and the Military Automotive Works outlines that the M88A2 Hercules vehicles (Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift and Evacuation), operated by Poland, will be serviced in Poznań. The scope of work includes both maintenance and repair operations.
The M88A2 Hercules vehicles arrived in Poland together with Abrams tanks as their designated recovery vehicles. Poland ordered a total of 38 of these vehicles to work with M1A1 and M1A2 tanks.
While the M88A2 is the primary recovery vehicle of the US Army, it is technically outdated, having been designed in the 1950s using components from the M48 tank.
M88A2 recovery vehicle
Unlike most modern recovery vehicles, the M88A2 is primarily used for towing damaged tanks. Although BAE Systems representatives emphasize that the Hercules can tow Abrams tanks, in practice, two M88A2 vehicles are needed for their efficient evacuation due to the weight of the American tanks.
The M88A2 features a high-capacity crane, which allows it to lift any component of the Abrams, including the turret and propulsion system. However, its effectiveness is limited as the crane arm is immobile, requiring the entire vehicle to be maneuvered to use the crane.
The US Army is aware of the limitations of the current recovery vehicle, and work is underway on a successor, the M88A3 variant, which will have significantly greater capabilities. This new variant will be able to independently tow an Abrams tank.
