PTA 2
Mechanized bridge
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The French PTA 2 bridgelayer is based on a new 10x10 high mobility vehicle |
The PTA 2 modular assault bridge is also referred as the SPRAT (Systeme de Pose Rapide de Traveres). It was designed and is manufacture by CNIM company to meet the French Army requirements. Development contract was awarded in 2003. Initially 18 PTA 2 bridgelayers were ordered for the French Army, however the order has been cut back to 10 units. These will be delivered until 2013. This modular assault bridge was designed to supportLeclerc main battle tanks. The SPRAT is based on a new 10x10 wheeled high mobility vehicle. It carries two 14.3 m long MLC-70 class bridges on on top of the other. Combined length is 26 m and it covers a gap of 24 m. Alternatively it can launch two short bridges individually, depending on the obstacle width. Each bridge section weights 7.4 tonnes. The bridge is launched horizontally over the front (cantilever type) rather than vertically as with a number of other bridgelayers. The main advantage of such design, is that it can not be observed some distance away by the enemy. The PTA 2 can launch one section in 3 minutes and two sections in 5 minutes. The new wheeled vehicle features high mobility on all types of terrain. Vehicle is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, developing 800 hp. It is worth mentioning, that it's all axles are steered. It is fitted with a central tyre pressure system. The tyre pressure can be adjusted from the driver's station to suit various terrain conditions. Mobility of the PTA 2 allows to keep up with Leclerc main battle tanks during combat operations. The PTA 2 is fitted with an armored cab and is designed to operate in frontline conditions. Armored cab protects the crew against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. All launching and recovery procedures are done without leaving the vehicle. However this vehicle carries no defensive armament. This armored bridgelayer has a crew of two, including driver and vehicle commander. Each CNIM PTA 2 system consists of one 10x10 bridge launcher with two bridge modules and a semi-trailer truck, carrying additional bridges.
Variants
PTA 3, a version, which carries three bridge modules. Combined length of this military bridge is 27 m. It can launch one section in 4 minutes, two sections in 6 minutes and 3 sections in 7 minutes. It was revealed in 2004, however it seems that this version received no production orders. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
