With the objective to ensure smooth and fast mobility of tanks and armoured personnel carriers into the battle zone, the first lot of 12 Short Span Bridging System (SSBS)-10 metre was inducted into the Army here on Friday.
The bridges are designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The SSBS-10 m plays a crucial role of bridging the gaps up to 9.5 metres as a single span providing a 4 metres wide, fully decked roadway, ensuring faster movement of the troops.
Research and Development Establishment (Engineers) Pune, a premier engineering laboratory of the DRDO, has designed and developed the system in association with M/s L&T Ltd. The 12 bridges are part of 102 SSBS-10 m from M/s L&T Ltd, which is the production agency. The Project Short Span Bridging System involved the development of two prototypes of 5 m SSBS on Tatra 6x6 chassis and another two prototypes of 10 m SSBS on Tatra 8x8 re-engineered chassis.
Both the systems have undergone rigorous Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA)and User trials and after successful completion of all the trials, the systems were recommended for induction into the services.
This bridging system is compatible with Sarvatra Bridging System (75 m), where the last span requires covering gaps less than 9.5 m. The deployed bridge is of the load classification of MLC 70. The system will help in quick movement of troops and enhance the mobilization of resources.
The DRDO has vast experience in developing critical Combat Engineering Systems like Military Bridging Systems. Number of mechanised mobility solutions for the Indian Army like Single Span 5 m and 10 m, Short Span Bridging System, 46 m Modular Bridge, 20 m BLT-T72 and multi span 75 m Sarvatra Bridging System have been developed.
