M60A1 Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge (AVLB)

The M60A1 AVLB is an armored vehicle used for launching and retrieving a 60 feet (18 m) 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.

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

Statistics

General Information
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
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 kilometers)
Cross country speed: 8-12 miles/hour (12.88-19.32 km)
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)