Development of a Lightweight Man-Portable Rapidly Deployable Bridge

Abstract

Portable and rapidly deployable bridges are critical infrastructure for providing access routes to troops during military operations and for restoring vital lifelines for communities affected by large-scale disasters. This report reviews the portable and rapidly deployable bridges used by Indian Army during various natural calamities which includes (1) rapidly erectable gap crossing bridges (e.g., Bailey Bridge, Medium Girder Bridge), (2) vehicle-launched bridges (e.g., Bridge laying tank, AM 50, Sarvatra bridging system, Pontonova Mostova Souprava [PMS] and short span bridges). This report also reviews lightweight portable tactical bridging system developed by Royal Engineers Trial and Development Unit (RETDU), UK and EasiBridge. The report brings out certain limitations of the current equipment profile with respect to the operational capabilities in urban areas and moves forward with analysis, modelling and design of a lightweight portable bridge system with an essential innovative modification to the lightweight portable tactical bridge system developed by Royal Engineers Trial and Development Unit (RETDU), UK and EasiBridge.