The St. Petersburg Times (Florida) March 22, 2003
Bring your own bridge
Some of the techniques coalition forces could use to cross waterways whose bridges have been destroyed
+ Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge
A folding portable bridge transported on a tank chassis. Used for spans of 60 feet or less.
+ Ribbon Bridge
A series of segments supported by pontoons.
Common Bridge Transporter delivers bridge segment to shore.
Segment unfolds automatically; bouyant forces activate cable and level system.
Weight: 11,999 lbs.
Length: 22.7 ft.
Width: 26.6 ft.
Sections attached by joints and/or hinges.
Sections are assembled along shore and swung out to cross body of water by bridging boats.
Tigris River bridges
1. Aimma Bridge
2. Adhimiya Bridge
3. Sarafiya Bridge
4. Tamuz Bridge
5. Shuhada Bridge
6. Ahar Bridge
7. Sinak Bridge
8. Jumhuriya Bridge
9. 14th of July Bridge
10. Jadriya Bridge
11. Dora Bridge
Sources: Jane's Armour & Artillery, Jane's Military Logistics, globalsecurity.org
GRAPHIC: DRAWING, STEVE MADDEN; Drawings illustrate some of the techniques coalition forces could use to cross waterways whose bridges have been destroyed. Includes map locating Baghdad, Directorate of Military Intelligence, Presidential Palace, New Presidential Palace, Iraqi; Intelligence HQ, Tigris River, Khair River and bridges.
Copyright © 2003, Times Publishing Company
