BAE Systems has been awarded a $251 million contract modification by the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command to upgrade 113 M88A2 Hercules recovery vehicles, provide spare parts and extend system technical support.

The Hercules is employed to recover combat vehicles up to 70 tons. Upgrades to be implemented include improvements to the power-assisted braking, steering, and to the electrical system — as well as greater engine horsepower that will provide 25% more towing force, 40% more lifting capability and a 55% increase in winching power.

Work will begin immediately at the company's York, PA facility, with vehicle deliveries scheduled to begin next month and continuing through November 2009. This will be the largest continuous production run of M88A2 vehicles since the program began.

To date, 157 Hercules have been deployed against a total U.S. Army requirement of more than 500 vehicles. Whereas the U.S. Marine Corps has fielded 60 vehicles in the M88A2 configuration. An additional 114 vehicles have been delivered to allied nations.