K1 AVLB

The K1 AVLB developed on the basis of the K1 MBT is able to carry out all missions including launching and retrieving the bridge with a crew of two. Main components of the K1 MBT, 1,200 horsepower diesel engine, automatic transmission, suspension system and control systems have been adopted to provide interchangeability and the best logistic support. The K1 AVLB was developed from 1988 to 1992, with technical support of British Vickers Defense Systems in bridging system, and was deployed in the mid 1990s.

With almost the same mobility performances of the K1 main battle tanks, the K1 Armored Vehicle Launched Bridges provide mechanized and/or armor units gap crossing capabilities which bumped into obstacles in combat areas. The K1 AVLB which had been developed from 1988 to 1992 with technical support of British Vickers Defense Systems in bridging system have been deployed in mid 1990s. This bridging systems perform a movement in military tactics in order to secure an advantage in attack or defense without any delay as a assault bridges far from close support bridging system such as pontoon bridges.

The K1 AVLB is a close support bridge layer which has the same superb mobility as the K1 MBT. With a combat weight of 54.7 tonnes, it can speed up to 65km/h on roads and has a cruising range of approximately 434 km as well as excellent cross-country mobility. It is capable of crossing trenches up to a width of 2.66m. It can surmount obstacles up to 0.8m tall, and can travel up gradients of 60°

The bridge is a scissoring type and can be operated by the launching mechanism composed of 3 stages of hydraulic cylinders, launching frame, launching pad, launching arm and connecting rods. The 4m wide and 22m long bridge is crossable by all 60 tonne (MLC 66) vehicles and it can be launched within 3 to 5 minute and retrieved less than 10 minutes. Also it can be retrieved by the armoured bridge layer from either side. And it can be launched in side slope up to 3°, longitudinal slope up to ±10°and height differences between far bank and near bank up to ±2.4 meters. Combination bridging and overbridging can be carried out as needed.

The automatic fire suppression system and the personal CBR system are included for the crew's safety. A 7.62 mm machine gun is mounted against enemy's attack during the operation, and smoke grenade launchers on the launch pad and the hull are the prepared for concealing the vehicle from the enemies' detection.