M60 AVLB

M60 AVLB (Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge)

An M60A1 Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge (AVLB), deploying its scissors-type bridge.
Type Armored vehicle-launched bridge
Place of origin United States
Service history
In service 1967–present
Used by See operators
Wars Gulf War
Iraq War
Production history
Manufacturer 1967–1996: Detroit Arsenal Tank Plant, Chrysler Defence (now General Dynamics Land Systems)
1996 onwards: Anniston Army Depot
Unit cost US$749,000
Produced M60: 1967
M60A1: 1987
Variants See variants
Specifications
Weight Loaded: 56.6 short tons (51.3 t)
Length Overall: 9.44 metres (31 ft 0 in)
Width 3.66 m (12 ft 0 in)
Height 3.3 m (10 ft 10 in)
Crew 2 (Commander and driver)
Main
armament
 None
Secondary
armament
 None
Engine Continental (now General Dynamics) AVDS-1790-2DR V12, air-cooled Twin-turbo diesel engine
750 horsepower (560 kW)
Power/weight 13.2 hp/t
Payload capacity 1× scissors-type folding bridge
Transmission CD-850-6A 2 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Suspension Torsion bar suspension
Ground clearance 457 mm (1 ft 6.0 in)
Fuel capacity 1,419 litres (312 imp gal; 375 US gal)
Operational
range
 290 miles (470 km)
Speed 30 miles per hour (48 km/h)

The M60 AVLB is an armored vehicle based on the M60 Patton main battle tank chassis used for the launching and retrieval of a 60 feet (18 m) scissors-type bridge. The AVLB consists of three major sections: the launcher, the vehicle hull, and the bridge.[1]

Design

The M60 AVLB is based on a M60 Patton tank chassis, but instead of the tank's gun turret, it is equipped with a bridge launcher integrated into the chassis and mounted on top. When emplaced, the bridge is capable of supporting tracked and wheeled vehicles with a military load bearing capacity up to Class 60. The bridge can be retrieved from either end. The roadway width of the AVLB is 12 feet 6 inches (3.81 m). During deployments, bridge emplacement can be accomplished in 2 minutes, and retrieval can be accomplished in 10 minutes under armor protection.[1]

Deployment

As of 1996, the U.S. Marines had an inventory of 55 bridges and 37 launchers.

Statistics

General Information

Primary function: Armored vehicle used for launching and retrieving a 60-foot scissors-type bridge.
Manufacturer: Anniston Army Depot (ANAD)
Contractor: General Dynamics Land Systems Division
Power plant: AVDS-1790-2DA 12-cylinder diesel engine
Power train: CD-850-6A 2 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Introduction date: February 1987
Unit Replacement Cost: $749,000

M60A1 Tank Chassis

Weight, combat loaded: 56.6 tons (51.33 metric tons)
Ground clearance: 18 inches (0.4572 meters)
Length: 31 feet (9.44 meters)
Width: 12 feet (3.66 meters)
Maximum speed (governed): 30 miles/hour (48.3 km/h)
Cross country speed: 8–12 miles/hour (12–19 km/h)
Trench crossing: 8.5 feet (2.59 meters)
Range: 290 miles (464 kilometers)
Fuel capacity: 375 gallons (14.19 hectoliters)
Crew: 2 enlisted

Bridge

Length, extended: 63 feet (19.19 meters)
Length, folded: 32 feet (9.75 meters)
Bridge span: 60 feet (18.28 meters)
Width, overall: 13.1 feet (3.99 meters)
Width, roadway: 12.5 feet (3.81 meters)
Width, treadway: 5.75 feet (1.75 meters)
Height, unfolded: 3.1 feet (0.94 meters)
Weight: 14.65 tons (13.28 metric tons)

Variants

Operators

Exercise REFORGER '85, an M60 AVLB deploying its bridge on the banks of Lahn River in Central Germany.

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Development and History of the M-60 tank: M728 CEV". Patton Mania. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "SIPRI arms transfer database". Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Information generated in 21 June 2011. Retrieved 21 June 2011. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ↑ "Pakistan Army".

External links

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