Rapidly Deployable Assault Gap Crossing Systems

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sustainment OBJECTIVE: Develop gap crossing solutions that are modular, scalable, ground and air transportable, compatible with aerial delivery techniques, deployable in a short timeframe without additional construction support equipment, and capable of supporting and being transported by light- and medium-weight combat and tactical vehicles, and unmanned ground vehicles. DESCRIPTION: The intent of this SBIR topic is to develop hasty gap crossing solutions that are transportable and deployed by tactical vehicles. The technology must meet Threshold requirements = (T) It is highly desirable that the technology meets Objective requirements = (O) 1. Transported by Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) and Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) (T); unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) (O). 2. Deployed by JLTV and MTVR (T); UGV (O). 3. Span a 12 meter gap (T); 15 meter gap (O) 4. Military Load Class 40 ton (T); 60 ton (O) 5. Bridge width 12 feet/3.66 meters (T=O) 6. Wheel way widths 4 feet/1.2 meters (T=O) 7. Ability to deploy the bridge, vehicles cross the gap, and then retrieve from the far bank to continue the assault (T=O) 8. Time to deploy 15 minutes (T); 5 minutes (O) 9. Time to recover 15 minutes (T); 5 minutes (O) 10. Capable of being placed in an unprepared gap (T=O) 11. Capable of being assembled with common hand tools (T); No tools (O) 12. Capable of being assembled without heavy equipment (T=O) 13. Unit cost $350,000 (T); $125,000 (O) PHASE I: Develop concepts for rapidly deployable assault gap crossing systems that meet the requirements described above. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concepts in meeting Marine Corps requirements. Establish that the concepts can be developed into a useful product for the Marine Corps. Feasibility will be established by material testing and analytical modeling, as appropriate. Provide a Phase II development plan with performance goals and key technical milestones, and that will address technical risk reduction. PHASE II: Develop 1-2 prototype rapidly deployable assault gap crossing systems for evaluation to determine their capability in meeting the performance goals defined in the Description above. Demonstrate technology performance through prototype evaluation and modeling over the required range of parameters. Evaluation results will be used to refine the prototype into an initial design that will meet Marine Corps requirements; and for evaluation to determine its effectiveness in an operationally relevant environment approved by the Government. Prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology to Marine Corps use. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Marine Corps in transitioning the technology for Marine Corps use. Support the Marine Corps for test and validation to certify and qualify the system for Marine Corps use. Commercial applications may include, but not be limited to: disaster relief, homeland security, emergency services, and commercial construction. REFERENCES: 1. VIPER. . General Dynamics European Land Systems. https://www.gdels.com/mtb.php 2. Higgins, Rae. Joint Assault Bridge aces Operational Test; fielding plans include all COMPOs. U.S. Army PEO Combat Support & Combat Service Support, December 11, 2020. https://www.army.mil/article/241689/joint_assault_bridge_aces_operational_test_fielding_plans_include_all_compos 3. ATP 3-21.21 SBCT Infantry Battalion. Headquarters, Department of the Army, March 2016. https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/atp3_21x21.pdf KEYWORDS: Bridge; bridging; gap; crossing; maneuver; mobility; transportable