Pearson Engineering has developed and tested an armoured vehicle-launched bridge (AVLB) for the General Dynamics Land Systems 8×8 Stryker M1132 Engineer Squad Vehicle (ESV).
The baseline Stryker M1132 ESV platform is retained with its roof-mounted remote weapon station (RWS) retracted, while a Pearson Engineering Jettison Fitting Kit is fitted to the front of the hull to support the Bridge Launch Mechanism (BLM).
Four hydraulic cylinders are used to articulate the BLM with hydraulic power being provided directly from the M1132 ESV platform. The BLM enables the crew of the M1132 ESV to launch or recover the one-piece bridge over the front of the vehicle in less than two minutes while remaining under full armour protection.
via www.janes.com
Interesting.
It's about half the length of a bridge from a traditional Armored Vehicle Laid Bridge, but those aren't currently available to a Stryker BCT. And in Europe, the 11m bridge will cross a lot of the obstacles present. Combined with a variety of other Front End Attachments (FEA) tailored for the Stryker, this has the possibility of giving some much needed Engineer support to the Stryker BCT.
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