GDELS presents new adaptable bridge system

Brian M Walters

Tuesday, 17 June, 2008

The latest member of its wide range of mobile bridge systems is presented here for the first time by General Dynamics European Land Systems (Stand P030). Exhibited mounted on a Piranha III AFV, the Rapidly Emplaced Bridge system-Adaptable Bridge Launching Kit (RE B-ABLK) offers two main features – mobility and flexibility.
Originally developed for the US Army’s Stryker vehicle and already fielded to three operational units, the REB system is transported on and launched from a power-independent bridge adaptor pallet (BAP), which can be loaded on any PLS truck with a payload capacity larger than 10 tonnes. The BAP together with the bridge itself is
C-130 transportable.
The mission options and flexibility of REB have been significantly enhanced by the development of the ABLK, which can be fitted on wheeled and tracked fighting vehicles without the need to remove the weapon station or other equipment. This enables the crew to launch the bridge under armoured protection in less than two minutes.

Without the need to remove the weapon station, the new REB can be launched under armoured protection