Two Additional Heavy Equipment Recovery Vehicles to US Marines

BAE Systems, YORK: BAE Systems has been awarded a contract modification worth $5.1 million from the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command to provide two M88A2 HERCULES recovery vehicles for the Marine Corps. 
 
Under the contract, BAE Systems will remanufacture and upgrade two additional HERCULES, which will bring the total number of M88A2's purchased by the Marine Corps to 66 vehicles. Work on the contract begins immediately at the company's York, Pa. facility with delivery of both vehicles scheduled for December 2007. 
 
“The M88A2 HERCULES has proven its value to U.S. forces in combat situations, allowing recovery crews to conduct recovery missions under the most difficult battlefield conditions,” said Ron McCleaf, M88A2 program manager for BAE Systems. 
 
HERCULES provides unparalleled capability for recovering today's 70-ton combat vehicles and answers the need for cost-effective, self-supporting heavy recovery performance. Key upgrades from the M88A1 include improved power-assisted braking, improved steering, improved electrical system and increased engine horsepower, providing soldiers and Marines with 25 percent more towing muscle, 40 percent more lifting strength and 55 percent more winching power in meeting any mission requirement.  
 
BAE Systems is the premier trans-Atlantic defense and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. BAE Systems, with more than 100,000 employees worldwide, had 2005 sales that exceeded $28 billion.