General Dynamics European Land Systems developed a new range of light bridge system, the Medium Trackway Bridge (MTB). The increased needs of ground forces for a self-sufficient gap crossing capability has led to the development of the Medium Trackway Bridge. A modular lightweight bridge made from aluminum, it is available in lengths of 4, 6 and 8 meters for maximum loads up to MLC 40. The single bridge modules can be transported by small tactical vehicles and can easily be launched and retrieved by the crew with a simple adapter.
The Medium Trackway Bridge is an aluminium-constructed modular lightweight bridge for military and civilian vehicles up to MLC 40 that can be connected to form bridge lengths of 4m, 6m or 8m. For the installation of the bridge, a launcher system is mounted at the front of an armoured vehicle. A winch is fitted on the top of the launching system which is in charge to deploy the bridge over the obstacle or the river.The launching / retrieving time for a 4 m MTB is approximately 10 minutes with 4 soldiers. The single bridge vehicles can be transported directly onto the vehicle, including light tactical vehicles, and can be easily launched and retrieved from the same or a different vehicle by the crew with a simple adaptor.
The Medium Trackway Bridg enables tactical vehicles with no or very little gap-crossing capability to enhance their mobility on the battlefield without being reliant on bridging engineer units. This not only increasing their manoeuvrability but also their protection as it allows troops options to detour potential risk areas. The single bridge modules can be transported directly on the vehicle, including light tactical vehicles, and can easily be launched and retrieved on the same vehicle by the crew with a simple adapter. The MTB light bridge can be launched by a 4 t class armoured vehicle. The launcher system has an approximate weight of 90 kg.
