SubscribeModular bridge concept: The innovative approach of the PSB2/Bruglegger MLC 70 compared with conventional solutions such as the LEGUAN concept, for example, lies primarily in the modular design of the bridge, added to which it offers improved protection, mobility, manoeuvrability (OBFES) and user-friendliness.
The bridge material available can consequently be put to optimum use through adaptation to the obstacle width at the crossing location. Bridges in graduated lengths of 9.7 m, 18.7 m and 27.7 m are realisable.
The particular advantage of the modular concept lies in the number of short-span bridges transported on the vehicle - in the case of the PSB 2, three modules @ 9.7 m. Although users call continually for ever greater bridge lengths, the statistical increase in mobility is in no relation to the material and financial resources required. Short obstacles often represent a greater limitation on mobility because they are frequently underestimated.
Obstacle statistics show that around 80% of all obstacles measure less than 9 m, meaning that a greater number of short-span bridges than long-span bridges is always needed. The PSB 2 / Bruglegger MLC 70 makes allowance for this additional requirement for short-span bridges through its three bridge modules, which can be used in the following combinations: 3 x 9.7 m ; 1 x 9.7 m plus an 18.7 m long bridge, or a long-span bridge of max. 27 m length.
Main performance specifications for the new PSB 2 armoured vehicle launched bridge / Bruglegger MLC70 for the German/Dutch armed forces
- Military load class MLC 70/100 for the bridge
- Modular bridge system, comprising three bridge modules @ 9.7 m
- Bridge combinations of 3 x 9.7 m; 1 x 9.7 m plus 1 x 18.7 m; 1 x 27.7 m
- Launching under armoured protection
- Horizontal launching
- Launching times from 5 min (short-span bridge) to around 10 min (long-span bridge)
- Interoperability with allied armed forces
- Same protection and mobility as Leopard II A 5 battle tank
- Classification of the overall system in military load class MLC 70
- Service life of 30 years, including 10000 crossings and 3000 launchings
- Modern reconnaissance and guidance systems
Overall technical concept of the PSB2 / Bruglegger MLC 70
A characteristic feature of the launching equipment is the parallelogram, formed in its basic position by the laying arm cylinder, laying arm, front arm and hull components, which can be moved by means of the front arm cylinder.
The launching equipment draws the bridge modules from the rear "bridge magazine" according to the bridge length required, with the appropriate magazine levels being accessed by lowering the parallelogram.
A rigid connection between two bridge modules is established automatically by the launching equipment moving the module ends one against the another. In the process, the deck plate lifters are brought into the upright position, and at the same time the ramp deck plates are raised to their coupling and service position.
Launching of the bridges
A crucial requirement when establishing the concept for the launching equipment was to optimise the system with regard to the launching times for the cases of use that, statistically, occur most frequently, in other words the launching of short-span bridges. For these cases only the vehicle supports are needed.
The main support system has to be activated solely when launching medium- and long-span bridges. The detachment of the bridges from the launching equipment takes place similar to the method used for the Biber armoured vehicle launched bridge, i.e. by disengaging the roller carriages from the bridge rail.
