Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1193118
MAMBA The other engineering system showcased at the event was a modular lightweight footbridge for infantry and air- borne units MAMBA. It can be used to cross dry or wet gaps. It is also modular, of course. Its design enables it to act as a bridge set that makes it possible to cross a 30-meter-wide wet gap and a 20-meter-wide dry gap. The difference here is due to the fact that in the case of a water gap, in order to launch the footbridge, we need one bridge abutment (a bankseat, i.e. a hardened part of the bank) upon which the bridge end is to rest, and a float (included in the set). In the case of dry gaps, in turn, two abutments are necessary to prop the two ends of the bridge. In the case of wet gaps, the length of the footbridge can be extended by connecting individual sets with the use of the provided floats (22 m + 22 m), which is impossible in the case of crossing dry gaps. However, in on-ground conditions, the footbridge can be used also for assault purposes. E.g. during combat in urbanized areas or to cross minefields (used as a gangway). Single footbridge module measures 4.43 m in length and weighs 55.5 kg (there are also other variants availa- ble: one 3.58-meter-long and the other 2.73-meter-long, weighing 40 kg and 33 kg respectively). It is made entire- ly of aluminum alloy. The gangway width is 35 cm, and the spacing between the handrails measures 66 cm. A complete set includes seven such segments, one float, a launcher with rollers, two adapters for a stretcher and logistic supplies, and a set to assemble and anchor the footbridge. Individual elements can be customized ac- cording to the client's requirements. The set is packed in www.fragoutmag.com