INVESTMENT COMPONENT
Modernization
Recapitalization
Maintenance
Improves mobility by providing continuous roadway or raft configurations capable of crossing military vehicles over non-fordable wet gaps.
The Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB) is used to transport weapon systems, troops, and supplies over water when permanent bridges are not available. The IRB Float Ribbon Bridge System is issued to the Multi-Role Bridge Company (MRBC). The U.S. Army Modified Table of Organization and Equipment (MTOE) authorizes MRBCs to consist of: 42 IRB bridge bays (30 interior bays and 12 ramp bays), 42 Bridge Adapter Pallets (BAP), 14 Bridge Erection Boats (BEB), 14 Improved Boat Cradles (IBC), and 56 Common Bridge Transporters (CBT). These assets collectively address Tactical Float Ribbon Bridge wet gap bridging. All components are required to transport, launch, erect, and retrieve up to 210 meters of floating bridge per MRBC. The IRB can be configured as either a continuous full closure bridge or assembled and used for rafting operations. The IRB has a Military Load Capacity (MLC) of 105 wheeled/85 tracked (normal) and 110 wheeled/90 tracked (caution crossing). This MLC will support the Joint Force Commanders ability to employ and sustain forces worldwide. Bridge capabilities are provided in water currents moving at up to 10 feet per second.
The bridge system allows two-way traffic for HMMWV-width vehicles and increased MLC at all water current speeds over those of the Standard Ribbon Bridge. It is usable on increased bank heights over 2.2 meters (7.2 feet) and the improved folding/unfolding mechanism avoids cable breakage. Partially disassembled bays are C-130 transportable, and externally transportable by CH-47 and CH-53 aircraft.
In this Publication
None
Other Major Interdependencies
IRB operations rely upon and are interdependent with fully mission-capable CBTs, BAPs, IBCs, and BEB assets within a fully MTOE equipped MRBC.
This system has been fielded since 2002.
Fieldings are ongoing based on the Army Requirements Prioritization List.
ACQUISITION PHASE
Technology Development
Engineering & Manufacturing Development
Production & Deployment
Operations & Support
None
General Dynamics European Land Systems Germany (Kaiserslautern, (Germany)
Logistic support:
AM General (Livonia, MI)
CBT manufacturer:
Oshkosh Corp. (Oshkosh, WI)
BEB manufacturer:
FBM Babcock Marine (Isle of Write, United Kingdom)
