M60 AVLB

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 ft scissors-type bridge. The AVLB consists of three major sections: the launcher, the vehicle hull, and the bridge.

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 ft. During deployments, bridge emplacement can be accomplished in 2 minutes, and retrieval can be accomplished in 10 minutes under armor protection.

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

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



 * 🇮🇱: 10× M60 AVLB in service with Israeli Army.
 * 🇵🇰: M60A1 AVLB in service with the Pakistan Army.
 * 12× M60 AVLB in service with Singapore Army.
 * 🇪🇸: 15× M60 AVLB in service with Spanish Army.
 * 🇺🇸: United States Army and United States Marine Corps