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M60 AVLB


M48 AVLB


Overview

M60 AVLB

A M60 AVLB on the move with bridge in stowed position.
Source: www.military-today.com - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
United States
Type
Bridge laying vehicle
Entered service
Late 1960's
Status
Limited service
Development
1960's
Developer
United States - Detroit Arsenal Tank Plant
Production
1967 - ? (M60 AVLB)
1987 - ? (M60A1 AVLB)
Producer
United States - Detroit Arsenal Tank Plant
Unit cost
$ 749.000 in late 1960's
Number produced
Produced in quantity
Designations
Armored Vehicle Landing Bridge (US service)
Notable users
United States
Germany

Description

Introduction

The M60 AVLB is a Cold War era bridge layer of US origin. It was developed in the 1960's to support the Patton series main battle tanks in the field. Initial development was based on the M48 Patton chassis, but subsequently switched to the M60 Patton for US production vehicles.

Design


The M60 AVLB is based on the chassis of the M60 or the M60A1 main battle tank. The driver and commander are seated in what would normally be the turret ring. Instead of a turret launching equipment for a scissor bridge is fitted. A scissor bridge is carried in folded position on top of the chassis. It is launched towards the front by means of a hydraulically operated launching arm. The launching arm features a large bar that features as a large outrigger during emplacement.

Bridge capabilities

The scissor bridge features a single hinge and has a 19 m length. The bridge has a 54 t weight capacity and support both wheeled and tracked vehicles. Emplacement time is 3 minutes, retrieval takes at least 10 minutes. Bridges cannot be joined to increase span.

Mobility

The tracked M60 tank chassis provides good all terrain mobility, albeit at limited speeds. The 750 hp diesel engine provides a maximum road speed of 48 km/h.

Users

The M60 AVLB was acquired by the US Army and US Marine corps. It was also exported to a handful of nations that also used the Patton series of tanks. These include West Germany and Belgium. The M60 AVLB remains in use around the world. With US forces it is to be replaced by AVLB's based on the M1 Abrams chassis.

Variants

M60A1 AVLB

A US Marine Corps M60A1 AVLB deploying its scissor bridge.
Source: US Marine Corps (LCpl Kevin Quihuis Jr) - © public domain

Variants of the M60 AVLB

M48 AVLB
Early development models were based on M48, M48A1, M48A2 Patton chassis. Some foreign M48 chassis have been converted as well.
M60 AVLB
AVLB system based on M60 Patton chassis.
M60A1 AVLB
AVLB system based on M60A1 Patton chassis.

Details

Facts M60A1 AVLB
General
Origin
United States
Type
Vehicle launched bridge
Crew
2 (commander, driver)
Dimensions
Weight
41.7 t vehicle
55.2 t with bridge
Length
8.65 m vehicle
11.28 m with bridge
Width
3.64 m vehicle
4.00 m with bridge
Height
3.05 m vehicle
3.9 m with bridge
Chassis
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels
Layout
Idler front and drive sprocket rear
Ground pressure
0.92 kg/cm² with bridge
Tread
2.92 m
Track width
0.71 m
Track on ground
4.24 m
Suspension
Torsion bar
Automotive
Engine model
Continental AVDS-1790-2D
Engine type
V12 supercharged diesel
Power output
750 hp at 2.400 rpm
Transmission
General Motors CD-850-6A
2 forward, 1 reverse
Fuel
1.420 L
Mobility
Speed
48 km/h
Range
500 km on road
Turn radius
Pivot
Power to weight ratio
13.6 hp/t with bridge
18.0 hp/t without bridge
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.36 m
Wall
0.9 m
Trench
2.6 m
Gradient
60 %
Slope
30 %
Fording
1.2 m
Protection
Armor type
Cast steel
Armor thickness
85 to 109 mm hull front
36 to 74 mm hull sides
30 to 41 mm hull rear
NBC system
Yes
Smoke system
No
Equipment
Night vision
Infrared for driver
Radio
Yes
Bridge
19 m scissor bridge with 54 t capacity

Media

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M60 Patton

The M60 AVLB is based on the chassis of the M60 Patton tank.

Read more about M60 Patton