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NATO Bridging Operation In Germany
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NATO Bridging Operation In Germany
Pictured is a UK M3 Amphibious Rigin Minden, Germany during a joint UK/German Bridging Operation.
The M3 (operated by a Corps of Royal Engineer crew) sequence shows the M3s Aluminium pontoons deploying prior to entering the water.
TheM3 Amphibious Rigis a self-propelledamphibiousbridging vehiclethat is used for the passage of tanks and other vehicles across water obstacles.
The vehicle is operated by both UK and German armed forces.
The M3 is self-deployable by road, operating as a4x4wheeled vehicle with a maximum road speed of 50 mph.
It is driven into the water for amphibious operation, for which it deploys two large aluminium pontoons, unfolding them along the length of its hull.
In water, the M3 is propelled and steered by 2 fully traversablepump jetsat speeds of up to 9mph.
The M3 amphibious rig can be driven into a river and used as a ferry or, when a number are joined together from bank to bank, as a bridge, capable of taking vehicles as heavy as the Challenger 2 main battle tank.
The M3 has a number of advantages over similar vehicles.
It can deploy pontoons on the move, in or out of water.
It needs no on-site preparation to enter the water.
It can be controlled from inside the cab when swimming
Its control functions have been automated allowing the crew to be reduced to three.
A single two-bay M3 can carry a Class 70 tracked vehicle, where two M2s would have been required for this task with additional buoyancy bags.
Eight M3 units and 24 soldiers can build a 100m bridge in 30 minutes compared with 12 M2s, 48 soldiers and a construction time of 45 minutes
The British Army protects the United Kingdom's interests at home and abroad, providing a safe and secure environment in which all British citizens can live and prosper
Media ID 15230165
© Crown copyright
Action Army Equipment International Interoperability Location Multinational Nato Operations Partnering Regiments Training Vehicle
EDITORS COMMENTS
The print captures a remarkable moment during a joint UK/German Bridging Operation in Minden, Germany. In the foreground stands the impressive UK M3 Amphibious Rig, operated by a Corps of Royal Engineer crew. The image showcases the deployment process of the M3's aluminium pontoons before it enters the water. The M3 Amphibious Rig is an exceptional self-propelled vehicle used for bridging operations, enabling tanks and other vehicles to traverse water obstacles effortlessly. Both the UK and German armed forces rely on this versatile machine for their military operations. What sets the M3 apart from similar vehicles is its ability to deploy pontoons while on-the-move, without any on-site preparation required to enter water. Furthermore, it can be controlled directly from inside the cab when swimming due to its automated control functions. With just three crew members needed instead of four or more, this efficient rig offers significant advantages over alternative options. A single two-bay M3 has proven capable of carrying a Class 70 tracked vehicle that would have previously required two separate M2s with additional buoyancy bags. In terms of construction speed, eight M3 units and 24 soldiers can build an impressive 100-meter bridge within just 30 minutes compared to using twelve M2s with 48 soldiers requiring 45 minutes. This photograph encapsulates both innovation and collaboration as NATO allies work together seamlessly towards achieving their common goals in defense and security operations.
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