Assured Operational Mobility Across Gaps for the Future Combat Systems/Future Force) FCS/FF

Despite the increase in use of futuristic technology and the Army's plans for Future Force capabilities, the Army's mobile bridges have seen few major leaps forward in their abilities. With deployability and battlefield agility being two key requirements for Future Force units, it is imperative that gaps do not hinder combat momentum nor cost the lives of those tasked to overcome them. We at TIAX propose to push the development of the next generation military bridge using innovative Robotic Gap Defeat Technology (GDT). Our Integrated Product Team will incorporate ultralightweight materials with modern robotics and controls to design a bridge small and light enough to rapidly deploy by C-130 yet strong enough to support MLC 65 vehicles in battle - a combination of constraints no current bridge can meet. Remote and/or autonomous operation will also be critical features, protecting the bridge's human operators from harm. The future GDT will help ensure that Future Force units of action and employment retain their battlefield agility while minimizing loss of forward momentum and life