Philosophy of Design
Bridging enables the crossing of obstacles in various terrains including mountains. Present military bridging systems utilise various alloys of Aluminium and Steel for different bridging parts. The construction of bridges involve transportation of bridges equipment and machinery across different terrain to enable crossing by vehicles.
The present bridge systems meant for A & B vehs are also used, to enable foot infantry to cross obstacles. This restricts the infantry to crossing obstacles at points designated for vehicles only, thus limiting the flexibility of movement of an Infantry soldier. The problem is not so acute in plains but in mountains. Owing to terrain restrictions, the use of vehicles is also restricted to existing lines of Communication. In any case, after the Road head, the main mode of transporting logistics is either by porter or by Mules. The presence of any obstacle makes this a herculean task.
In present times, no military footbridge exists to enable a porter with full load to get across an obstacle in the mountains in a tactical time frame. The present effort is to design and construct a system in order to enable Infantry to become independent of the restrictions imposed by limited lines of communication in mountains. Consequently, the bridge needs to be able to get Porters and/or Mules across an obstacle. The bridge should also be able to be used in terrain other than mountains.
The aim was to develop a bridge system incorporating the following requirements:
(a) Light weight
(b) Easy to transport
(c) Simple to assemble at site
(d) Minimal backspace required
(e) Minimal number of parts
(f) Easy to launch and de-launch
The mountain footbridge now displayed meets all the above as well as qualifies in the following criterion :
(a) Ability to be used to cross a wet gap as well as dry gap.
(b) Fully indigenous design and manufacture
(c) Easily transportable to desired places using helicopters.
(d) Can be considered to be used to cross a minefield without resorting to existing practices of laying Mine Tape.
(e) Time for launch : ~15 min thereby maintaining matching mobility for Infantry.
(f) Can be reused after de-launch
