Most diesel owners depend on their vehicles for work, commuting, and countless other day-to-day activities. For our men and women in the military, diesel-powered vehicles often have a much higher purpose. From supplying troops in combat to performing rescue operations and more, the United States Military has deployed diesel power to serve in many different capacities.

It should go without saying that the FASS Research and Development team was honored to collaborate with BAE Systems on their M88A3 Hercules Heavy Recovery project. Comprised of highly experienced engineers/diesel fuel system specialists, FASS R&D has designed fuel filtration solutions for many different applications—including but not limited to military vehicles, boats, industrial equipment, and more. 

For BAE Systems’ M88A3 project, fuel quality was the name of the game. While in service, the M88A3 is subject to a variety of fueling stations—something that can be highly problematic if not addressed properly. 

Engineering a Fuel System for the M88A3

Designed to hoist, winch, and tow the U.S. Military’s heaviest combat systems, including the M1A2 Tank, the M88A3 Hercules Heavy Recovery Vehicle is a 78-ton workhorse powered by a 1,350hp C32 Acert diesel engine. Packing a whopping 160,000lb recovery capacity, the M88A3 is an evolution of the M88 HERCULES line. The M88A3’s role as a tank recovery vehicle means that a consistent supply of pure, contaminant-free fuel is non-negotiable. 



By approaching this project with a needs-first mindset, the FASS R&D team ensured a fuel system solution that would outperform BAE System’s requirements.

A History of Fueling Excellence

In 2003, Brad Ekstam founded FASS Diesel Fuel Systems to address the issues fuel contamination was causing the commercial truck industry. Plagued by injection system failures, poor fuel efficiency, and lost performance, Brad knew professional drivers and owner/operators were ready for a better fuel filtration solution. 

After releasing the first FASS Diesel Fuel Systems, Brad began getting feedback from the very professionals he’d set out to help. From measurable MPG increases to a 3x reduction in injection component failures, the reports were impressive, to say the least. After decades of battling the air, water, and debris that’s all-too-common in diesel fuel, FASS had served up the solution. 

Through careful design and component selection, as well as ongoing testing, Brad and his team have delivered the industry-leading solution: a complete fuel system upgrade that eliminates over 99% of the water found in diesel fuel, along with entrained air and debris down to 2 Micron. 

As if that wasn’t enough, FASS customers began reporting additional benefits such as:

• Simplified start-up and priming for DD13, DD15, and DD16 engines
• Vastly improved fuel filter access when traveling (see FASS Filter Cross-Reference)
• Sharpened throttle response, even with OEM tuning and engine components
• Drastically easier fuel filter maintenance 
• Reduced maintenance costs 
• And more!