M60 American Armored Vehicle-Launched Bridgelayer (AVLB)
M60 AVLB
Armored Vehicle-Launched Bridge (AVLB)
Other
Basic Information
Name
M60 American Armored Vehicle-Launched Bridgelayer (AVLB)
Designation
M60 AVLB
Alternate Designation
M60 AVLB
Equipment Type
Armored Vehicle-Launched Bridge (AVLB)
Manufacturer
Anniston Army Depot
Date of Introduction
1963
Description
The M60 AVLB is an armored vehicle based on the M60 main battle tank's hull and used for the launching and retrieval of a 60-foot (18 m) scissors-type bridge. The AVLB consists of three major sections: the launcher, the vehicle hull, and the bridge. This combat engineer vehicle was developed by the US Army Engineer Research & Development Laboratories under contract with General Dynamics to replace the previous M48 AVLB. It was designed to launch bridge for tanks and other wheeled combat vehicles across trenches and water obstacles in combat conditions.
Ground Specifications
Crew
2
Engine
1,790-cu in (29.34-liter) air-cooled, 4-stroke, V-12 multi-fuel (750 hp)
Active Protection
None
NBC Protection
Yes
Range
480.0 km
Variants
M60 AVLB
AVLB with 60 ft scissors bridge and launcher mated to the M60 chassis
M60A1 AVLB
AVLB with 60 ft scissors bridge and launcher mated to the M60A1 chassis
M60A1 AVLM
Variant featuring 2 x M58 Mine Clearing Line Charges (MICLIC)
System
Alternative Designation
M60 AVLB
Type
Armored Vehicle-Launched Bridgelayer, Tracked
Manufacturer
Anniston Army Depot
In Service
1963-Present
Crew
2 personnel
Dimensions
Length, Hull
6.95 m
Length, Gun Forward
9.44 m
Width
3.63 m
Height
3.27 m
Tracks, Length on Ground
4.24 m
Tracks Width
0.71 m
Ground Pressure
0.46 m
Weight, Unloaded
48,680 kg
Weight, Combat
52,620 kg
Ground Pressure
0.87 kg/cm sq
Automotive
Engine Name
1 x Continental AVDS-1790-2A engine
Engine Type
1,790-cu in (29.34-liter) air-cooled, 4-stroke, V-12 multi-fuel
Engine Power
750 hp at 2,400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
14.24 hp/metric ton
Fuel Capacity
375 gal (1,420 liters)
Transmission
CD-850-5 cross drive transmission
Suspension
torsion bar, 6 road wheels, rear drive,
front idler, 3 shock absorbers, 3 track
return rollers
Range
480 km
Speed
48 km/h
Vertical Obstacle
0.91 m
Trench
2.59 m
Fording without Preparation
1.22 m
Fording with Preparation
2.40 m
Gradiant
60 %
Side Slope
30 %
Shock Absorbers
The addition of a shock absorber on the second roadwheel pair was also accompanied by a slight relocation of the first return roller. These modifications were needed due to the increased weight of the M60A1 turret as well as the additional hull armor.
Bridge
Name
MLC60
Type
Scissoring
Length, extended
19.19 m
Length, folded
9.75 m
Bridge span
18.28 m
Width, overall
3.99 m
Width, roadway
3.81 m
Width, treadway
1.75 m
Height, unfolded
0.94 m
Weight
13.28 m
Protection
Hull Armor
The hull's upper glacis armor was increased from 3.67 inches to 4.29 inches at 65 degrees while the turret sides went from 1.9 inches to 2.9 inches at their apex. This brought the frontal armor up to the same 10" line of sight armor standard of the M103 heavy tank.
Turret Armor
M60: equals 7 in (180 mm)
Applique Armor
Available.
Explosive Reactive Armor
INA
Active Protection System
No
Mine Clearing
INA
Self-Entrenching Blade
INA
NBC Protection
Yes
Smoke Equipment
exhaust smoke generating system;
6-barrel smoke dischargers
Details
Country of Origin
United States
Category
Mobility
Land > Combat Support Vehicles > Mobility
Filter Label
M
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
—
Width
3.63 m
Height
3.27 m
Weight
52620 kg
Operators (8)
United States
Israel
Pakistan
Spain
Greece
Portugal
Singapore
CFE Treaty
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