AmmoTech90
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Just some info/bridge porn for those interested. Pulled it off the British DIN site.
Sappers welcome air-portable bridging
A new system will be used by Light Forces to create different assault bridges â “ and even a RORO ferry.
The Air Portable Ferry Bridge (APFB) system, which is being procured by the Mobility project team, has successfully achieved its planned In Service Date.
The system, which is like a large Meccano set, can be used to make several different military assault bridge configurations and can also be used to construct a Roll On/Roll Off Ferry. The system replaces the previous fly forward bridge and is used by light forces.
The contract was awarded to WFEL Ltd in 1999 and looked to utilise existing equipment already in-service with the Royal Engineers.
Existing Medium Girder Bridge (MGB) components, for which WFEL is the design authority, form the main elements of the system, with additional components being developed as part of the programme to deliver the capability required.
The project has not been without its difficulties and came close to cancellation in 2003 due to delays which were caused by technical difficulties. However, after re-approval of the project in January 2004, it regained momentum and has successfully met its revised milestones. Andy Hope, the MOB3 project manager, said:
"This project has been a real challenge for our team. The project was not in good shape in 2003, but with determination, and a will to succeed, a better working relationship with the contractor was developed, and we have now successfully delivered this unique capability to the Royal Engineers."
The Army is extremely keen to utilise this equipment as it provides immense flexibility. Each set is stored as eight discrete standard DROPS loads.
They can be transported to theatre by air or sea and then either flown forward as under slung helicopter loads or dropped from a C130 as required. Maj Dickie Danby, from the Engineer in Chief's department, said:
â Å“This represents a step forward in our lightweight bridging and ferrying capability, which has great utility in light forces."
A soldier from 59 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers said the ferry bridge was an impressive new capability and he was pleased to have the chance to be one of the first to get 'hands on'.
Work now continues to deliver the remaining production systems into DSDA Ashchurch.
And preparations are being made for the handover of the equipment to the Engineer Systems Support IPT within the DLO in early 2006.
The Mobility IPT is looking forward to its next projected challenging bridge project â “ a vehicle launched close support assault bridge for the Future Rapid Effects System fleet. A technology demonstrator programme is expected to be initiated.
This article appears in Preview - The Journal for Defence Equipment Acquisition.
Sappers welcome air-portable bridging
A new system will be used by Light Forces to create different assault bridges â “ and even a RORO ferry.
The Air Portable Ferry Bridge (APFB) system, which is being procured by the Mobility project team, has successfully achieved its planned In Service Date.
The system, which is like a large Meccano set, can be used to make several different military assault bridge configurations and can also be used to construct a Roll On/Roll Off Ferry. The system replaces the previous fly forward bridge and is used by light forces.
The contract was awarded to WFEL Ltd in 1999 and looked to utilise existing equipment already in-service with the Royal Engineers.
Existing Medium Girder Bridge (MGB) components, for which WFEL is the design authority, form the main elements of the system, with additional components being developed as part of the programme to deliver the capability required.
The project has not been without its difficulties and came close to cancellation in 2003 due to delays which were caused by technical difficulties. However, after re-approval of the project in January 2004, it regained momentum and has successfully met its revised milestones. Andy Hope, the MOB3 project manager, said:
"This project has been a real challenge for our team. The project was not in good shape in 2003, but with determination, and a will to succeed, a better working relationship with the contractor was developed, and we have now successfully delivered this unique capability to the Royal Engineers."
The Army is extremely keen to utilise this equipment as it provides immense flexibility. Each set is stored as eight discrete standard DROPS loads.
They can be transported to theatre by air or sea and then either flown forward as under slung helicopter loads or dropped from a C130 as required. Maj Dickie Danby, from the Engineer in Chief's department, said:
â Å“This represents a step forward in our lightweight bridging and ferrying capability, which has great utility in light forces."
A soldier from 59 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers said the ferry bridge was an impressive new capability and he was pleased to have the chance to be one of the first to get 'hands on'.
Work now continues to deliver the remaining production systems into DSDA Ashchurch.
And preparations are being made for the handover of the equipment to the Engineer Systems Support IPT within the DLO in early 2006.
The Mobility IPT is looking forward to its next projected challenging bridge project â “ a vehicle launched close support assault bridge for the Future Rapid Effects System fleet. A technology demonstrator programme is expected to be initiated.
This article appears in Preview - The Journal for Defence Equipment Acquisition.