M104 wolverine image - Tank Lovers Group

M104 Wolverine
2001. Production: 1999-2003. Wolverine Heavy Assault Bridge. An M1A2 Abrams SEP tank chassis with an 85 foot (26 m) long bridge and an Electronic Controlled Hydraulic Launching Mechanism. Replaces the obsolete Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge (AVLB) on a one-for-one basis.

The system design is capable of spanning gaps up to 79 feet (24 m) wide, using either prepared or unprepared abutments within its required performance envelope, while supporting the crossing of 70 ton vehicles at 10 mph (16 kph).

The design of the bridge structure is to withstand 5,000 crossings of 70 ton vehicles and at least 1,100 launch and retrieve cycles without major repair.

The system launches the bridge horizontally within 5 minutes through automatic sequencing of the launch mechanism using Vehicle Electronics (VETRONICS) controls from either of the two-crew stations. The total retrieval time requirement is less than 10 minutes. This redundant launch and retrieve capability will use hydraulic power from the Launch Power Unit (LPU), vehicle power pack, or slaved to another Wolverine.

The Wolverine design is for operation by a crew of two, logistically compatible with the Abrams chassis, and near equality in mobility and survivability to the Abrams Tank. The program goal is for 90% commonality between the Wolverine and the Abrams chassis at the piece-part level.