Tactical Bridge, Float-Ribbon

The Tactical Bridge, Float-Ribbon program is a critical Army procurement initiative under budget line item 3542MA8890, designed to enhance the Army's ability to rapidly deploy bridging capabilities for maneuver forces. The primary goal of this program is to support Multi-Role Bridging Companies (MRBCs) by providing the equipment necessary to transport, launch, erect, and retrieve floating bridges. This enables the movement of weapon systems, troops, and supplies across water obstacles where permanent bridges are unavailable. This capability directly supports the Joint Force Commander's operational flexibility and sustainment of forces in diverse and contested environments.

The program is structured around the procurement of two main components: the Bridge, Float-Ribbon, Transporter (M26800) and the Bridge, Float-Ribbon, Propulsion (M27200). The transporter component consists primarily of the Common Bridge Transporter (CBT), which is used to move bridge bays and associated equipment. The objective is to incrementally fulfill the Army Acquisition Objective (AAO) of CBTs, ensuring that bridging units are equipped to support both active and reserve components in a range of missions, including homeland defense and military support to civil authorities.

The Bridge, Float-Ribbon, Propulsion (M27200) line item addresses the procurement of Bridge Erection Boats (BEBs) and Bridge Adapter Pallets (BAPs), which are critical for the assembly and maneuvering of the floating bridge system. Procurement in prior years included BEBs and BAPs, with contracts awarded to Birdon America Inc. and Canadian Commercial Corporation. No new procurement is planned for this component in FY 2026, as the focus shifts to transporter acquisition. The AAO for BEBs is established, and for BAPs, procurement supports the adaptation of CBTs for bridge transport roles.

Each Tactical Float Ribbon Bridge System consists of 30 Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB) interior bays, 12 ramp bays, 14 BEBs, 14 BAPs, and 56 CBTs. The IRB is designed to accommodate heavy military loads, with a Military Load Classification (MLC) of 96 wheeled (normal) and 110 (caution), as well as 70 tracked (normal) and 120 (caution). This ensures that the system can support the crossing of modern armored vehicles and logistical convoys. Such capability is essential for maintaining operational tempo and supply lines during both combat operations and disaster response scenarios.

The justification for continued investment in the Tactical Bridge, Float-Ribbon program is rooted in its unique capability to provide rapid, modular bridging solutions that are not available through commercial or legacy military systems. The program addresses gaps in mobility and sustainment identified in recent operational assessments, and it is compliant with Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, which emphasizes the need for dual-use capabilities supporting both military and civil emergency operations. The procurement strategy leverages firm-fixed-price contracts to manage costs and ensure timely delivery, with ongoing negotiations reflecting inflationary pressures and updated requirements.

In addition to procurement, the program allocates resources for system engineering, program management, fielding, and logistics support, ensuring that units receive fully integrated and supportable systems. Fielding and transportation costs are included to facilitate the delivery and operationalization of the equipment at the unit level. The Army's approach is to synchronize delivery schedules with training and readiness cycles, maximizing the operational impact of new bridging assets as they are fielded.