Enter service in 1984.
The M88 is a completely enclosed recovery vehicle based loosely on the M48 tank (Magach).
Though this vehicle has very good recovery capability & features, it fall short for crew protection. The hull of the M88 is of cast armour and rolled armour welded together, with the crew compartment at the front and the engine and transmission at the rear. The driver and mechanic are seated at the front of the hull, each with a single-piece hatch cover and periscopes. It had a front spade used primarily to stabilize the vehicle during lifting and recovery operations. The main winch could be used to drag a disabled tank or one stuck in mud back to an area where it could be towed or driven away. The boom could be used to lift tank engine-transmission units from tanks for repair. The towing pintle and tow bar could drag a disabled tank to a secure area for repair. The M88 was also used at the transport vehicle for the mechanics. It carried welding equipment, tools and spare parts.
The M88A1 Medium Recovery Vehicle (MRV) is a full tracked armored vehicle used to perform battlefield rescue and recovery missions. The M88A1 MRV performs hoisting, winching, and towing operations supporting recovery operations and evacuation of heavy tanks and other tracked combat vehicles. It has a fuel/defuel capability and is fully equipped to provide maintenance and recovery support for the main battle tank family and similar vehicles. These functions can be performed in all types of terrain during all weather conditions. |
