The Polish army, along with 250 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks, will have to purchase American M88 armored repair and evacuation vehicles.
The first modification of this tractor was created on the basis of M60 tanks back in the late 50s. Currently, the troops are operating more advanced versions. In 1997, the troops began to receive M88A2 Hercules, which received a number of improvements.
Based on the experience of armed conflicts, they strengthened the booking of the frontal part of the hull, installed another winch and a more advanced boom crane.
With their own weight of 63500 kg, they are able to tow equipment weighing up to 70,000 kg. The engine power of the AVDS 1790-8CR is 1050 hp. The maximum speed is 42 km/h. The power reserve is only 322 km. The crew consists of 3 people.
As a defensive weapon, a 12.7-mm Browning anti-aircraft machine gun is used, which the Polish military will probably replace with the Utes NSVT widely used in their armed forces.
It is possible that the M88A2S released after the disbandment of the tank battalions of the US Marine Corps will be delivered.
In its current form, these BREMS, according to military experts, are outdated and cannot effectively accompany the M1A2 SEPv3. Now a new modification has been developed - the M88A3 with a hydropneumatic suspension. Weighing already 78,000 kg and having a 1350-horsepower engine, it is able to evacuate armored vehicles weighing 80,000 kg. However, their deliveries may begin only in a few years.
Interestingly, Poland has created its own WZT-3 and WZT-4 tractors based on the RT-91. The first was exported to India, in total, according to various sources, about three hundred were delivered. The second is a modified version with improved characteristics, but due to the purchase of overseas equipment, mass production of these machines is unlikely to be possible.
Alexey Moiseev
