Reconfigurable Structures for Future Force/Future Combat System (FF/FCS) and Joint Force Bridging Applications

This program addresses development, manufacturing, and testing of a reconfigurable bridge for crossing gaps in assault and tactical situations. An innovative design concept was developed in Phase I and consists of a folding system of girder modules that support deck modules on which the military vehicles cross. Vehicles are tracked or wheeled and can be as large and/or heavy as a MLC 120. The proposed concept can be adapted for a broad range of applications, as demonstrated by a series of Phase I analyses. The proposed scope of work for Phase II concentrates on a specific manifestation of the design concept, and the final detailed specification will be agreed upon with TARDEC/TACOM prior to the start of design work. Design work will concentrate on two areas. The first will be the overall design of a complete bridge system that can meet all requirements. The second will be the detailed design of a representative subsystem or prototype that will be manufactured and tested. This subsystem will also be used to demonstrate the feasibility of rapid deployment. Lessons learned in the deployment and strength tests will be incorporated into the basic overall design which will be the main deliverable for the project.