TM-5-5420-279-10
VEHICLE WEIGHT
CROSSING SPEED
Up to MLC 30
25 mph (40 kph)
Above MLC 30
15 mph (25 kph)
Exceptions:
Vehicles with low ground clearance such as the Abrams mine plow must be limited to a crossing
speed of 10 mph (16 kph).
Vehicles with large front or rear overhangs must approach and exit the bridge with
caution and at a slow speed to prevent contact with, and subsequent damage to the
bridge.
1.1.3.2
The complete system is capable of constructing two 20 m bridges.
1.1.3.3
A launcher attached to the transport vehicle consists of a crane, a slide frame, a launch
frame and a fold out A-frame for leveling and stabilization. The crane is operated
separately while the launcher is operated via hydraulic circuits controlled from a chest
pack. The chest pack includes two joysticks and illuminated panels to indicate the current
action being or about to be executed. Leads, from a control cabinet on the vehicle,
terminate at either end of the vehicle to facilitate connection of the chest pack lead.
1.1.3.4
The launch frame also carries the first section of the launch beam upon which the far bank
and home bank carriages, used to support the bridge sections during assembly and
placement, are already in place. The launch frame features a launch beam drive unit to
move the launch beam forward or rearward as required. Winches attached to the launch
frame, control the movement of the carriages and the raising or lowering of the bridge
during deployment and recovery.
1.1.3.5
The A-frame consists of foldout support legs that allow the vehicle to be leveled and
stabilized for bridge deployment and an upper beam that supports the launch frame. This
upper beam is used in its lower position for launch beam deployment and is raised to
provide clearance for the modular bridge sections during bridge deployment.
1.1.3.6
The operation of the drive mechanism, winches and hydraulic cylinders is controlled via
the chest pack. The operator of the chest pack controls the whole bridge deployment
operation, which relies on coordinated actions of the 8-man crew in order to achieve
minimum deployment times.
Basic Operational Sequence (Deployment)
1.1.4.1
Upon arrival at the crossing, the build site is marked out in accordance with Figure 1. 12.
1.1.4.2
All vehicles are driven to the staging area and a number of palletized loads ground
loaded.
1.1.4.3
The launch vehicle is then partially prepared for use. The tail-lift is opened, the crane
partially deployed and the A-frame unfolded and pinned. The launch vehicle is then
guided to the predetermined set back distance from the bank edge using the tire
alignment marks. This provides clearance and support for the bridge when it is lowered
into position. The A-frame stabilizer legs are extended to raise the launcher clear of the
rear of the vehicle. The launch vehicle is then driven forward to extend the slide frame.
With the slide frame fully extended the crane can be fully deployed.
