There are three variants, the M88, the M88A1, and the M88A2 HERCULES (Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lifting Extraction System).

The design of a new ARV vehicle was based on the chassis and parts of the automotive component of the M48 Patton and M60 tanks.

[1] It was originally manufactured by Bowen McLaughlin York, later the BMY division of Harsco Corporation, in 1961.

In February 2008 BAE was awarded a $185 million contract modification from the U.S. Army to manufacture 90 Army-configured M88A2s, four United States Marine Corps-configured M88A2s and authorized spares list parts.

The later M88A1 and M88A2 models are equipped with nuclear, biological, chemical (NBC) defenses and a smoke screen generator.

[1] In February 2017, the Army awarded BAE Systems Land and Armaments a $28 million contract modification for the procurement of 11 M88A2 recovery vehicles.

[5] The upgrades include a modernized powertrain that boosts horsepower and torque, a seventh road wheel for enhanced stability, and hydro-pneumatic suspension units that improve cross-country mobility and recovery operations.

[6] During the Gulf War, the U.S. Army recognized the M88A1's insufficient power, weight, mobility, and hoist-winch capabilities, making it unable to effectively recover M1 Abrams.

[1] There is also concern with loss of traction when an M88A2 tows a heavy M1 Abrams on a slope in wet, muddy conditions.

The M88A2 was extensively tested at the Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, and in August 1998, was officially approved for the towing of 70-ton combat vehicles such as the M1 Abrams.