The tank brigade of Ukraine was equipped with M60 AVLB bridgelayers

27 January, 2024 M60 AVLB. USA, 2023. Photo credits: flickr.com

The Ukrainian military is already using American bridgelayers based on M60 tanks. MilitaryLand said that these bridgelayers entered into service at the 5th Tank Brigade. Back in March 2023, it was announced that the United States had pledged to supply the Ukrainian Armed Forces with M60 AVLB.

The State Department report indicates that Ukraine received 18 armored bridging systems from the United States. M60 AVLB based on a M60 tank can launch a bridge up to 18 meters long and, depending on the modification of the bridge, with a load of up to 60 tons.

M60 AVLB of the Ukrainian military.

2024. Ukraine. Photo credits: MilitaryLand

The first version of the M60 AVLB was produced from 1963 to 1967.

Most M60A1 AVLB hulls were former M60A2 Patton tanks converted by a deep upgrade to AVLB version from 1987 to 1996. The driver and commander sit side by side in the hull that would usually be a turret ring. The scissor bridge is placed in a folded position above the chassis, and a hydraulic system for the bridge's operation is installed on the previous driver's position.

It is launched forward by a hydraulic starting bracket. The driver has control on starting and returning the bridge. If the assault force vehicles have crossed the bridge, the AVLB can move it and pick up the bridge on the opposite bank and continue the movement and action of the troops.

M60 Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge.

Photo from open sources

A smoke screening system is installed on the bridgelayer, which dumps diesel fuel into the exhaust system to visually smoke the area around the armored engineering vehicle during operating in dangerous conditions.

It is worth recalling that the Defense Forces also use German Biber armored bridgelayer, which Ukraine received within the framework of military aid.