Sweden to acquire Improved Ribbon bridges from GDELS 41311152

Defence & Security News - (Sweden)
 
Sweden to acquire Improved Ribbon bridges from GDELS
General Dynamics European Land Systems will deliver in this month the initial batch of Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB) to Sweden. The system will undergo winter testing with the Swedish Army to prove its functionality and its interoperability with the floating bridges currently in service.
     
Sweden to acquire Improved Ribbon bridges from GDELS
US Army soldiers deploying an Improved Ribbon Bridge (Photo: US Army)
     

Sweden is already a user of the Floating Support Bridge with the supporting trucks and bridge erections boats.

The IRB is designed for use as a floating bridge or multi-bay raft for combat vehicles and trucks. The latest version is based on the Standard Ribbon Bridge and the German-made Floating Support Bridge. They can be deployed by trucks, railway cars, transport aircraft or helicopters.

The newer version is operable in water currents up to 3.05 metres per second. It can be used either for two-lane traffic, for vehicles up to 20 tonnes, or single-lane for vehicles of up to 80 tonnes. It also features an improved ramp bay for bank heights of 2 metres, an improved folding/unfolding mechanism, non-skid surfaces and splash plates to prevent flooding.