What is the M88A2 Hercules, the heavy US Army vehicle that sank in a deadly training incident in Lithuania?

Designated as a “heavy recovery vehicle,” the new Hercules weighs a whopping 70 tons — about 14 tons heavier than the M88 and M88A1, which were considered “medium recovery vehicles.”

The Hercules’ steel hull was designed to protect personnel from mines, artillery fragments, and small arms fire. The armored recovery vehicle is also equipped with mounted 12.7 mm heavy machine guns with 1,300 rounds.

Powered by a twin-turbo diesel engine with 1,050 horsepower, the M88A2 can reach speeds of up to 30 mph on varied terrain and on uneven surfaces. Like a tank, it has a tracked chassis.

Global defense company BAE Systems manufactures the M88A2 Hercules, which stands for Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift and Evacuation System.

BAE Systems is also developing the fourth M88 variant, the M88A3 Hercules, intended to eliminate the need for two M88A2 vehicles when recovering heavier modern Abrams tanks.

With upgraded powertrain and suspension units, the modernized heavy recovery vehicle features improved cross-country mobility and maneuverability, as well as an increased towing capacity of up to 80 tons. Last year, the Army began testing the new M88A3’s capabilities at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona.