The Irish Defence Forces have awarded WFEL a contract to construct a 31-meter (100 feet), two-story medium girder bridge (MGB) system and accompanying handrails.
The UK-based tactical equipment developer will also provide complete support and training for the system.
The bridge platform can be set up in various configurations, making it adaptable to military operations, disaster relief, and emergencies. It also provides operability with other MGB systems of any age.
The MGB will be delivered by the end of 2022 to the Irish Corps of Engineers, a branch responsible for combat engineering and services construction.
‘Versatile, Modular Bridging System’
The Irish Defence Forces have been familiar with the MGB since the late 1970s.
“As long-time users of the Medium Girder Bridge system, we are already familiar with its many benefits,” Irish Defence Forces Engineering Director Col. Damian McEvoy said.
“By updating our bridging assets with the latest version of the MGB, we will continue to be equipped with the most versatile, modular bridging system available, allowing our Engineering Division to rapidly react to situations both on and off the battlefield.”
“Of particular importance to us is the lightweight nature of the MGB system, not only for reducing transportation weight, but to enable the bridge components to be handled by our troops without the need for mechanical aids,” he continued.
WFEL’s MGB System
WFEL has supplied more than 500 MGB systems to international forces, according to the firm. Many NATO members have adopted the platform for operations worldwide.
“We are seeing increased interest in our MGB bridging systems worldwide, due to their modular and versatile nature, as forces worldwide recognise the need for rapid gap-crossing capability to ensure unrestricted manoeuvre for vehicles of up to 70 tonnes.” WFEL Business Development Director Tom Winney said.
