STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., May 9 (UPI) -- Prototypes of a new mobile bridging system for the U.S. military are to be produced by General Dynamics Land Systems, the company announced.
The prototypes are part of the multi-service Joint Assault Bridge program, which aims to replace the current assault bridging system -- the Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge.
The contract received is worth $26 million and was given by the U.S. Army Contracting Command. Under the award, General Dynamics Land Systems will produce two prototypes as well as test support packages.
The prototype system will feature a fully tracked vehicle -- with crew protection equivalent to that of a main battle tank -- for the launching and recovery of the Army's hydraulic Military Load Class Scissor Bridge.
General Dynamics Land Systems said work on the development phase of the project will be conducted at a facility in Sterling Heights, Mich. The estimated completion date is August of 2014.
Additional details were not provided.
