United States Marine Corps Weapons & Equipment
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.
Information and Photos Courtesy of United States Marine Corps
