DRDO Short Span Bridge: The first production lot of 12 Short Span Bridging System (SSBS)-10 meter, designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has been inducted into the Indian Army by Army Chief General MM Naravane during a ceremony held at Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi.
The SSBS-10 meter plays a crucial role in bridging the gaps up to 9.5 m as a single span providing a 4 m wide, fully decked roadway, ensuring faster movement of the troops. Research & Development Establishment (Engrs) Pune, a premier engineering laboratory of DRDO, has designed and developed the system in association with L&T Ltd.
The 12 bridges are part of 102 SSBS-10 m from L&T Ltd, which is the production agency. The Project Short Span Bridging System involved the development of two prototypes of 5 m SSBS on Tatra 6×6 chassis and another two prototypes of 10 m SSBS on Tatra 8×8 re-engineered chassis.
Both the systems have undergone rigorous Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA), MET and User trials and after successful completion of all the trials, the systems were recommended for induction into the services. This bridging system is compatible with Sarvatra Bridging System (75 m), where the last span requires covering gaps less than 9.5 m.
General MM Naravane inducted the SBS System in New Delhi.
The deployed bridge is of the load classification of MLC 70. The system will help in the quick movement of troops and enhance the mobilization of resources. At high-level meet, PM Modi holds discussions on futuristic challenges in defence sector The DRDO has vast experience in developing critical Combat Engineering Systems like Military Bridging Systems.
A number of mechanised mobility solutions for the Indian Army like Single Span 5 meter and 10 meter, Short Span Bridging System, 46 meter Modular Bridge, 20 m BLT-T72 and multi span 75 m Sarvatra Bridging System etc. have been developed.
Manually launched 34.5 m Mountain Foot Bridge was also developed by DRDO earlier. These bridges have been widely accepted by the Indian Army. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO, the Indian Army and the Industry on the successful development and induction of the system.
DRDO designed short span bridging system is manufactured by Larsen and Toubro.
He stated that this induction will give a boost to the fast-growing Indian defence industrial ecosystem and help the industry to contribute towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy congratulated the teams involved in the successful development and induction of this bridging system into the Indian Army.
