|
MEDIUM GIRDER BRIDGE
The MGB is a simple system of lightweight components that
can be easily manhandled, to construct a bridge capable of taking the
heaviest AFVs. Two MGBs are held by the Bridging Troop in the Support
Squadron of a Divisional Engineer Regiment.
Single Span Bridge - 30 m long which can be built by about
25 men in 45 minutes.
Multi-Span Bridge
- a combination of 26.5 m spans: a 2-span bridge will cross a
51m gap and a 3-span bridge a 76 m gap. If necessary, MGB pontoons
can be also be joined together to form a ferry.
During late 1994, a team from 35 Engineer Regiment set a new world
record by building a single-storey 9-metre bridge in 10 minutes and 34
seconds.
The manufacturer Williams
Fairey claims that the MGB is in service with 35 nations worldwide.
MGB is due to be replaced by the BR90 system (although some MGB will
be retained for certain operational requirements).
CLASS 16 AIRPORTABLE BRIDGE
A much lighter bridge than the
MGB, the Class 16 can be carried assembled under a Chinook helicopter or in
3 x 3/4 ton vehicles with trailers.
A 15 m bridge can be constructed by 15
men in 20 minutes.
The Class 16 can also be made into a ferry which is
capable of carrying the heaviest AFVs.
In the near future the British
Army will replace the Class 16 bridge with the Future Light Bridge (FLB) systems. This bridge will also be capable of
being used as a ferry.
|
