The M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle, a symbol of the US military’s technical prowess, is now part of the Russian arsenal. Designed to support heavy armored units, the Hercules has proven its importance on the battlefield in Ukraine, where both sides are fighting for every inch of ground.
Originally delivered to Ukraine to enhance its vehicle maintenance and repair capabilities, the Hercules quickly became a target for Russian forces. Capable of towing and lifting heavy tanks like the Abrams, the Hercules is an invaluable asset on the battlefield, especially in situations where damaged vehicles need to be quickly evacuated. However, the Hercules’ mobility and defensive capabilities also make it an attractive target for the enemy.
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| The M88A2 Hercules is a heavily armored recovery vehicle. (Photo source: Russian Media) |
Russia's possession of the Hercules is not only a military trophy, but also a testament to the complexity and dynamic nature of the conflict in Ukraine. It shows that modern weapons and equipment can easily change hands on the battlefield, and no side can completely guarantee the safety of its equipment.
For Russia, acquiring the Hercules could improve its ability to recover damaged vehicles on the battlefield, especially the heavy tanks it captured from Ukraine. However, operating and maintaining a vehicle as complex as the Hercules requires a high level of skill and experience, and it is unclear whether Russia will be able to fully utilize its potential.
Meanwhile, the loss of a large number of Hercules vehicles is a significant loss for Ukraine. This could affect the ability of Ukrainian armored units to maintain operations, especially in high-intensity fighting.
The M88A2 Hercules is a heavy armored recovery vehicle, built to support combat units by towing, lifting, and repairing the heaviest vehicles, including modern tanks. Weighing in at 63,500 kg (135,000 lb), it is fully protected by steel armor, providing ballistic protection along with NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) protection for the crew. The crew consists of three members—a commander, an operator, and a mechanic—and can accommodate up to four members of the recovered vehicle crew.
The Hercules is equipped with a hydraulic system for all recovery operations, including a powerful main winch capable of pulling 70 tonnes over a distance of 85.3 metres, allowing it to clear blocked or damaged vehicles on the battlefield. In addition, a 3-tonne auxiliary winch facilitates the deployment of the main cable, while its lifting arm can withstand up to 35 tonnes, allowing it to right overturned vehicles or replace heavy components such as tank turrets.
In terms of maneuverability, the Hercules reaches a top speed of 48 km/h and its 1,050 horsepower engine allows it to tackle 60% gradients and cross trenches up to 2.6 meters wide. This all-terrain unit has an impressive range of 483 km, which is crucial for long support missions in hostile environments. Its auxiliary power unit (APU) also provides power autonomy for refueling and fuel transfer operations, ensuring its support role even in challenging operating conditions.
Source: https://congthuong.vn/than-hercules-niem-tu-hao-cua-quan-doi-my-bat-ngo-roi-vao-tay-nga-352602.html
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