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Acrow Military Bridge is an adaptation of the field proven XS700 Acrow
Panel Bridging system. It utilizes mostly standard components with
the introduction of certain custom components which enhance the systems
effectiveness as a rapidly deployed "line of communications" bridge
for both military applications and disaster relief.
Modifications to the standard XS 700 bridging to:
- Allow the use of, pins ,bolts, carrying
bars, tools and timber components commonly used on Bailey Bridges
and held in stock at military depots.
- Allow hand construction.
- Improve deployment time.
- Allow the use of sloped approach ramps
to facilitate vehicle access to bridge from bearing seat elevation
without the need for ballast walls.
The standard design criteria is MLC 60
although capacities to MLC 100 are possible for spans up to 76 meters.
For permanent installations, steel decking can be provided. In short,
all of the features which make the XS 700 Bridging so effective for
civilian applications are also available with the Acrow Military Bridge.
In 1995 , the Canadian Department of
National Defence adopted the Acrow Bridge as a replacement for its
aging Bailey Bridges. Although Bailey Bridges had served the Engineering
Corps well , its maintenance costs and relative inefficiency compared
to the Acrow system made the Acrow Military Bridge a logical choice.
Canadian forces acquired 14 bridge sets for use in training at various
engineering schools and militia units across the country. All components
have received NATO stock numbers and component drawings have been
registered with NATO in Brussels. An operating manual has also been
produced to military standards.
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