Army Engineering Equipment
Gap Crossing Capability
Client: New Zealand Army
Description
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has a requirement for a mechanically launched, single unit bridge system for crossing gaps (streams, rivers and anti vehicle ditches) up to 13 metres in width. The proposed system was to either fitted to a vehicle or be mounted on a trailer towed behind a vehicle.
Government approval
In June 2004 the Government agreed that Defence seek proposals for the Army Engineering Equipment project. The project comprises three elements, combat earthmoving equipment, water treatment systems and rapid gap crossing equipment.
In January 2005, it was agreed that the NZDF would undertake the procurement of the combat earthmoving equipment and the water treatment systems, with the Ministry of Defence managing the Gap Crossing Capability.
Current status
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the NZDF signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence on collaborative procurement. Under this agreement the United Kingdom and New Zealand purchased the same bridging equipment from General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) and the same Prime Mover to support the bridging equipment from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH.
Three of the four systems (truck and bridge) have been delivered and are currently going through the Introduction into Service programme with the NZ Army. The fourth system will be delivered mid 2012.
Contact
For further information see the New Zealand Army web site (www.army.mil.nz) or contact:
Acquisition Division
Ministry of Defence
PO Box 12703
Molesworth Street
Wellington 6144
New Zealand
Phone: +64 4 496 0678
Fax: +64 4 496 0859
Email: info@defence.govt.nz
As at February 2012
