Name/Title
M48 AVLBEntry/Object ID
2024.1.132Tags
"Patton" Tank FamilyDescription
The hulls of the M48 tank were converted into bridgelayers, with the M48A2C being the standardized model (though some M48A1s were also converted). The conversion involved removing the turret and housing the crew within the turret ring under cupolas with rear-hinged hatches. The bridge launching and resting equipment was installed on the hull roof, and the scissors-type bridge was stowed on the top of the hull. Class 60 bridges spanning either a 40' (12m) or 60' (18m) span with a roadway width of 150" (380cm) were carried. Hydraulic cylinders raised the bridge from the chassis, lowered it to the ground, and finally unfolded it. AVLBs were upgraded with the diesel engine from the M48A5 beginning in the late 1970s, so the diesel vehicles could have either 3 or 5 return rollers.Cataloged By
Chris CausleyMade/Created
Date made
circa 1980Time Period
Cold WarLocation
Location
Binder
Cold War Armor FolderShelf
Archive Room Shelf DRoom
Archive roomCategory
ArchiveRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
US Army Tank Automotive Command