Came across this engineer vehicle while taking photos of anothe engineer vehicle. Anyone know what its called? I recall seeing a similar prototype (M88 chassis) being tested at NTC back in the late 80s. But that one had 2 booms in the front. In fact that one could actually lift itself off the ground.

The Grizzly Program was canceled (The Army Chose to Upgrade all the M88a1's to the a2 configuration.)

That's one of the few prototypes that exist.

Two different vehicles with different missions. The Grizzly was to replace the CEV and would be used by combat engineers to breach obstacles, clear mine fields, dig trenches, etc.

The M88A2 is strictly a recovery vehicle used to tow/recover disabled tracked vehicles and provide heavy lift capabilities in the field to replace tank engines, etc.

The spade (blade) on an M88/A1/A2 has very limited dozer capabilities and is primarily used to brace the vehicle while performing lifting or winching operations.

Where-abouts is that Grizzly prototype? Any chance you took some more photos of it? I would be interested in seeing some more of this beast!

Cheers,
Jim

That one is at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Home of the US Army Engineer School (and Chemical and MP).

I recall an article in FSM about a modeller who scratchbuilt the Grizzly parts on an M1 chassis - I'll look at back issues (a year ago or so) and see if I can find it. I remember it being a nicely done model.
Bob

I think I am going to have to make a trip down to Rolla sometime soon.

That thing looks like the swiss army knife of engineering vehicles

1. It can be found at Fort Leanardwood, Missouri's Engineer/Military Poilce/ Chemical Corp Museum' outside display.
2. Have a few more photos located in "My gallery" Misc Folder. Just click on "my photos" button for me. If there is any special angle or view you want next visit there I can try and get some more. There's a good chance I'll be up that way in the next few weeks.

It was in the December 1999 issue.


Shaun

I have it somewhere...

Actually I am thinking of doing something like I did witht the KSANG Abrams I took pictures of up here.