AM 50
AM 50 is a Czechoslovak, automatically launched assault bridge, that is used by combat engineers for crossing narrow obstacles such as rivers, canals, and ditches that are 10-12 meters wide.[1][2][3] It is based on a Tatra 813 8×8 truck.[1]
The AM 50 was developed for the Czechoslovak Army in the late 1960s. Today it is in use in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, India, Pakistan and Vietnam.
Development
[edit]Work on the vehicle began in 1968 and went through 1969, with the vehicle entering service with the Czechoslovak People's Army in 1972.[1][3][4] Even though the original AM 50 variant was based on the Tatra 813 chassis, modern variants like the AM 50/70 EX are based on a modern Tatra 815-7 chassis.[4]
Variants
[edit]AM 50
[edit]Original variant
AM 50 EX
[edit]Modernized variant
AM 70
[edit]Only one prototype was built.
AM 70 EX
[edit]Modernized variant.
Technical data
[edit]| Variant | AM 50 | AM 50 EX | AM 70 | AM 70 EX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew | 3 | 3 | ||
| Engine | Tatra T-930-17 12 cylinder, direct injection diesel engine | Tatra T3C-928-90 8 cylinder, air cooled, turbochargeddirect injection diesel engine | ||
| Power output | 247 hp (247 hp; 250 PS) at 2,000 rpm | 402.3 hp (402.3 hp; 407.9 PS) at 1,800 rpm | ||
| Torque output | 708 lb. ft at 1,400 rpm | 1,549 lb. ft at 1,000 rpm | ||
| Transimission | Synchromesh gearbox with automatic split, mechanical gear-shifting, normal or reduced drive mode, 5 forward gears, 1 reverse gear | Tatra 14 TS 210
|
||
| Clutch | Dry, triple-plate, with hydraulic control | MFZ 1x430
|
||
| Fuel capacity | 44 imperial gallons | 92.39 imperial gallons | ||
| Top speed (on road) | 50 miles per hour | 53 miles per hour | ||
| Top speed (off-road) | 9 - 19 miles per hour | ? | ||
| Fuel consumption | 4.71 - 5.89 miles per imperial gallon | ? | ||
| Cruising range on road | ? | 311 miles | ||
| Angle of approach/departure | 35° / 30° | 35° (without dozer blade) / 25° | ||
| Wading depth | 55 inches | 47 inches (without preparation)
59 inches (with preparation) |
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| Superstructure | Scissor bridge:
|
M-50 EX scissor bridge with parameters in MLC 50:
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| Gross vehicle weight
(with bridge) |
53,903 lbs | 66,139 lbs | ||
| Gross vehicle weight
(without bridge) |
38,250 lbs | ? | ||
| Length
(with bridge) |
35 feet 1.25 inches | 36 feet 11 inches | ||
| Length
(without bridge) |
32 feet 10.875 inches | ? | ||
| Width
(with bridge) |
10 feet 4 inches | 11 feet 2 inches | ||
| Width
(without bridge) |
8 feet 0.5 inches | ? | ||
| Ground clearance | ? | 1 feet 4 inches | ||
| Sources | [5] | [6] |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- 1 2 3 Žák, Petr (10 September 2022). "Mostní automobil Tatra 813 AM-50 v akci". Army Web (in Czech). Retrieved 2026-09-18.
- ↑ "AM-50". Valka.cz (in Czech). 8 January 2003. ISSN 1803-4306. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
- 1 2 "Tatra 813 8×8 AM-50 naučila hasiče stavět mosty, unikátní mostní automobily v hasičském provedení mají u Záchranného útvaru HZS ČR v Hlučíně". pozary.cz (in Czech). 15 April 2012. Retrieved 2026-09-18.
- 1 2 Marek, Antonín (11 January 2018). "Znáte Tatru AM 50? Stometrový most vám postaví na počkání". autoroad.cz (in Czech). Retrieved 2026-09-18.
- ↑ "CZK - AM-50 (automobil mostní)". Armedconflicts.com. 2018-10-13. Retrieved 2026-09-18.
- ↑ "CZE - AM-50 EX (automobil mostní)". Valka.cz (in Czech). 2018-09-28. Retrieved 2026-09-18.