The Move Towards Fully Automated MilitaryBridging Systems

The evolution of mobile military bridging illustrates how operational considerations and material developments are leading to more sophisticated concepts. Modular military bridge structures have traditionally been assembled and dismantled by hand using large numbers of small components, but the requirement to bridge longer spans, coupled with the need to reduce construction times and manpower has led to increased mechanisation. Semi-automated construction techniques are now well accepted in the Field Army. Remote control, teleoperation and fully autonomous bridging systems all offer operational benefits and some examples arc discussed.