Biggerhammer.net - Aircraft, Vehicles and Equipment Factfile > M60A1 Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge (M60A1 AVLB)

M60A1 Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge (M60A1 AVLB)


Primary function: Armored vehicle used for launching and retrieving a 60-foot scissors-type bridge.
Manufacturer: General Dynamics Land Systems Division
Contractor: Anniston Army Depot (ANAD)
Power plant: 12 cylinder diesel engine AVOS-1790-20
Power train: CD-850-6A 2 speed forward, 1 reverse

M60A1 Tank Chassis:
Weight, combat loaded: 56.6 tons (51.33 metric tons)
Ground clearance: 18 inches (.4572 meters)
Length: 31 feet (9.44 meters)
Width: 12 feet (3.66 meters)
Maximum speed (governed): 30 miles/hour (48.3 kilometers)
Cross country speed: 8-12 miles/hour (12.88-19.32 km)
Trench crossing: 8.5 feet (2.59 meters)

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 (.94 meters)
Weight: 14.65 tons (13.28 metric tons)

Range: 290 miles (464 kilometers)
Fuel capacity: 375 gallons (14.19 hectoliters)
Crew: 2 enlisted
Introduction date: February 1987
Unit Replacement Cost: $749,000

Features: The M60A1 AVLB is an armored vehicle used for launching and retrieving a 60-foot scissors-type bridge. The AVLB consists of three major sections: the launcher, the hull, and the bridge. The launcher is mounted as an integral part of the chassis. The bridge, when emplaced, 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. Bridge emplacement can be accomplished in 2 to 5 minutes, and retrieval can be accomplished in 10 minutes under armor protection.

Inventory: 55 bridges, 37 launchers

Background: The M60A1 Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge entered the Marine Corps inventory in the late 1980s.


Date last modified: 01/16/96


Last Modified on June 17, 1999
aalbert@biggerhammer.net