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 | |
| Mass | 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) |
| Maximum 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
![[icon]](/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (June 2011) |
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
| This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (June 2011) |
As of 1996, the U.S. Marines had an inventory of 55 bridges and 37 launchers.[citation needed]
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
- M60 AVLB – based on the baseline M60 MBTs chassis
- M60A1 AVLB – upgraded version based on the M60A1 MBTs chassis
Operators
.JPEG)
Israel: 10× M60 AVLB in service with Israeli Army[2]
Pakistan: M60A1 AVLB in service with the Pakistan Army[3]
Singapore: 12× M60 AVLB in service with Singapore Army[2]
Spain: 15× M60 AVLB in service with Spanish Army[2]
United States: United States Army and United States Marine Corps
Greece: 12
See also
- List of U.S. military vehicles by model number
- G-numbers (SNL G301)
- M104 Wolverine
- M3 Amphibious Rig
References
- ^ a b "Development and History of the M-60 tank: M728 CEV". Patton Mania. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
- ^ a b c "SIPRI arms transfer database". Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Information generated on 21 June 2011. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Pakistan Army".
External links
