🌉 Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge Asbestos Exposure (AVLB)
Army Corps of Engineers
The AVLB (Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge) is a combat engineering vehicle designed to deploy portable bridges across rivers, trenches, and battlefield obstacles. Built on armored tank chassis platforms (including Patton- and M60-based variants), the AVLB enabled rapid armored movement in combat zones and was heavily relied upon by Army engineering units.
Manufactured during decades when asbestos was widely used in military equipment, early AVLB platforms incorporated asbestos-containing materials in engine insulation, braking systems, exhaust assemblies, gaskets, clutch components, and certain hydraulic system insulation. These materials were selected for their heat resistance, durability, and fireproofing properties.
Because AVLB units performed both mechanical bridge deployment and heavy vehicle recovery tasks, engineers and mechanics conducted frequent maintenance. Brake replacements, gasket scraping, insulation removal, and hydraulic servicing often released asbestos fibers—especially in confined motor pools, field repair stations, and enclosed hull compartments.
🌉 AVLB – What You’ll Learn from This Page:
🧰 Asbestos was used in engine insulation, brake linings, clutch systems, and select hydraulic components.
⚠️ Bridge deployment and repair operations required frequent servicing, increasing fiber disturbance.
💼 Legal claims may be available to Army engineers, mechanics, and contractors diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses.
💰 Over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds remain available, with many claims settling between $300,000–$600,000.**
🎖️ Veterans with mesothelioma may qualify for $3,800+/month in VA disability compensation.
⏳ Military vehicle asbestos lawsuits often settle between $1 million and $1.4 million, with higher verdicts possible.
📋 Free consultations are available for individuals exposed while operating or maintaining AVLB platforms.
Estimated Number of People Exposed via AVLB Platforms
| Exposure Category | Estimated Number of People Exposed |
|---|---|
| Occupational Exposure (engineers, mechanics, operators) | Over 68,000 exposed |
| Secondary Exposure (family members via contaminated uniforms) | Around 8,900 family members |
| Environmental Exposure (motor pools, depots, bases) | Nearly 20,000 personnel and civilians |
| Product-Based Exposure (brakes, insulation, hydraulic parts) | About 25,000 exposed |
Total Estimated Exposure: Over 121,000 people.
🔥 Why Asbestos Was Used in AVLB Vehicles
The AVLB combined heavy armored chassis systems with hydraulic bridge deployment equipment. Asbestos was used because it:
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🔥 Withstood extreme engine and exhaust temperatures
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🧱 Provided durable friction materials in braking systems
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🛡️ Offered fireproofing inside armored hull compartments
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🛠️ Resisted heat and vibration in hydraulic and mechanical systems
Common Asbestos-Containing Components:
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Brake pads and brake shoes
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Clutch facings and drivetrain components
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Engine head and exhaust gaskets
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Exhaust pipe insulation wraps
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Interior thermal insulation panels
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Heat-resistant materials in hydraulic assemblies
Deployment and Maintenance of AVLB Vehicles
| Deployment Zone | Role | Maintenance Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam War | Combat bridge deployment | Field engineering bases |
| Gulf War | Rapid armored mobility | Desert motor pools |
| Iraq & Afghanistan | Obstacle crossing support | Forward operating bases |
| U.S. Training Installations | Engineer training exercises | Fort Leonard Wood |
AVLB units required consistent hydraulic inspections, engine servicing, and brake maintenance due to heavy operational demands during bridge deployment.
Personnel Exposure Estimates for AVLB Work
| Occupation Group | Estimated Number Exposed |
|---|---|
| Combat Engineers | Over 3,200 exposed during bridge deployment |
| Heavy Vehicle Mechanics | Around 3,600 serviced engines and brakes |
| Hydraulic Technicians | Approx. 2,100 handled insulated components |
| Depot Overhaul Staff | Over 2,400 involved in system rebuilds |
Total Estimated Direct Exposure: Over 11,300 personnel.
⚠️ Asbestos Exposure Points on the AVLB
🛑 Brake Systems
Heavy-duty brake servicing released asbestos dust during grinding and replacement.
🔧 Engine Compartment
High-temperature gaskets and insulation deteriorated under repeated use.
🚨 Exhaust Assemblies
Heat wraps degraded due to vibration and thermal cycling.
🛠️ Hydraulic & Mechanical Systems
Insulated housings and adjacent friction materials released fibers during servicing.
Job Roles at Highest Risk
| Role | Exposure Risk | Exposure Details |
|---|---|---|
| Combat Engineers | Moderate | Worked inside enclosed armored compartments |
| Mechanics | High | Performed repeated brake and engine repairs |
| Hydraulic Technicians | High | Serviced insulated components |
| Depot Crews | Moderate | Rebuilt and replaced aging materials |
Health Risks from AVLB Asbestos Exposure
Long-term asbestos exposure is associated with:
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Mesothelioma – Cancer affecting the lining of the lungs
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Asbestosis – Progressive lung scarring
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Lung Cancer – Increased risk from chronic inhalation
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Pleural Thickening – Reduced respiratory function
Symptoms may not develop for 20–50 years after exposure.
Sample AVLB Asbestos Lawsuits
| Settlement Amount | Case Details |
|---|---|
| $2.4 million | Engineer exposed during brake maintenance |
| $2.2 million | Mechanic handled deteriorating insulation |
| $2.0 million | Depot worker removed asbestos gaskets |
| $1.8 million | Technician serviced hydraulic systems |
Many cases resolve through negotiated settlements.
Manufacturers Linked to AVLB Asbestos Components
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Raybestos – Brake linings
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Bendix – Friction materials
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Johns-Manville – Insulation products
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Owens Corning – Thermal insulation
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Federal-Mogul – Engine gaskets and seals
Many established asbestos trust funds to compensate exposed individuals.
💰 Asbestos Trust Funds for AVLB Exposure
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Over $30+ billion in remaining trust assets
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Typical payouts: $300,000–$600,000+
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Filing does not impact VA disability benefits
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Claims may be filed decades after service
🎖️ VA Benefits for Veterans Exposed via AVLB Vehicles
Eligible veterans may receive:
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💵 $3,800+/month for 100% mesothelioma disability
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👨👩👧 Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for survivors
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🏥 Access to VA asbestos specialty clinics
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⚖️ Legal assistance coordinating trust and civil claims
📋 Filing an AVLB Asbestos Claim
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Confirm asbestos-related diagnosis
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Obtain service records documenting AVLB work or operation
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Identify asbestos-containing components handled
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File lawsuit and/or trust fund claims
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Compensation may be received within 6–12 months
⏳ Statutes of Limitations
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Personal Injury: 2–3 years from diagnosis
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Wrongful Death: 2–3 years from death
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Trust Fund Claims: Many remain open
Deadlines vary by state.
FAQs – AVLB Asbestos Exposure
Q: Did AVLB vehicles contain asbestos?
Yes. Early variants used asbestos in brakes, insulation, gaskets, and exhaust systems.
Q: Why were engineers at risk?
Bridge deployment required frequent mechanical servicing in confined compartments.
Q: Can claims still be filed decades later?
Yes. Many veterans file successfully 20–40 years after exposure.
Q: Will filing affect VA benefits?
No. Trust fund and civil claims do not reduce VA compensation.
📞 Speak With a Legal Advocate About AVLB Exposure
Call 800.291.0963 for a free case evaluation.
We assist engineers, mechanics, veterans, and families seeking compensation for asbestos exposure linked to AVLB Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge platforms and other Army engineering vehicles.