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M88 ARMORED RECOVERY VEHICLE

M88

Based on the suspension and running gear of the M48A2 tank, the M88 could be used for both medium and heavy recovery operations using an “A” frame type-hoisting boom.

First accepted into the Army’s inventory in 1959, over 1000 M88s were produced by Bowen-McLaughin-York of Pennsylvania and powered by a Continental AVSI-1790-6A (later replaced with a more fuel efficient AVDS-1790-2DR diesel developing 750 horsepower) with an Allison XT—1400-2 transmission. Mounted under the nose of the vehicle was a hydraulically operated blade used for dozing or for stabilizing the vehicle during winching or lifting.

The crew compartment was located at the front of the vehicle. See model of an M88 The crew was comprised of vehicle commander, driver, mechanic and rigger. Both the driver and mechanic were located at the front of the crew compartment with the driver on the left side. The vehicle commander was in the center under the cupola with the rigger directly behind him. Each crewmember had a hatch in the roof of the crew compartment and there was also a door in each side of the superstructure.

M88 SPECIFICATIONS

Length 27’
Width 11’
Height 10’
Weight 55 tons
Range 217 miles
Speed 26 mph
Armament:Normally armed with single M2 .50 caliber machine gun externally mounted on the vehicle.
Crew: 4 vehicle commander, driver, mechanic, and rigger

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This site is in no way connected to, or sanctioned by, any official Army or Government entity. This is, and will be a work in progress; we apologize now for any errors and/or mistakes. Information for this site has been and will continue to be gathered from many different sources. It is intended as a place for fellow troopers, family and friends of A Troop 4th Squadron 12th Cavalry (Vietnam Era) to visit, seek contact with, gather information or some insight into the history, language and jargon of the people who were part of A Troop, then and now. A Troop 4/12 Cav (Vietnam Era) invites and encourages trooper's family members to participate in the troop's reunions, memorial services, remembrances of our fellow troopers who have passed on to Fiddler's Green, and to continue the camaraderie of the BROTHERHOOD....Long Live the Cav and its BROTHERHOOD!!