Abstract: A method for laying a military bridge over an obstacle in a combat zone with using at least one laying vehicle. First, the bridge is loaded on a self-propelled, unmanned, remote-controlled laying vehicle and transported to the edge of the combat zone by water, air, rail, and/or road. From this point, the laying vehicle with the bridge is guided by a manned pilot vehicle to the vicinity of the obstacle. The laying vehicle then begins an automatic slow approach to the obstacle, for which purpose the laying vehicle has a suitable optical system or a laser scanner. At the edge of the obstacle, the topographical situation is scanned. On the basis of the scanner data, the laying operation is simulated, taking into consideration the predetermined design limits. On the basis of the simulation results, a decision is made about whether the laying operation will be carried out or broken off. This decision is then executed.

Abstract: A method for laying a military bridge over an obstacle in a combat zone with using at least one laying vehicle. First, the bridge is loaded on a self-propelled, unmanned, remote-controlled laying vehicle and transported to the edge of the combat zone by water, air, rail, and/or road. From this point, the laying vehicle with the bridge is guided by a manned pilot vehicle to the vicinity of the obstacle. The laying vehicle then begins an automatic slow approach to the obstacle, for which purpose the laying vehicle has a suitable optical system or a laser scanner. At the edge of the obstacle, the topographical situation is scanned. On the basis of the scanner data, the laying operation is simulated, taking into consideration the predetermined design limits. On the basis of the simulation results, a decision is made about whether the laying operation will be carried out or broken off. This decision is then executed.

Abstract: A ramp unit for pontoon structures has two inner float bodies, each having an upper deck and a lower deck, and connecting hinges pivotally connecting the two inner float bodies to one another. Two outer float bodies each having an upper deck and a lower deck are connected respectively by double-jointed hinges to the two inner float bodies at a side of the two inner float bodies opposite the connecting hinges. A folding and unfolding mechanism folds the two inner and the two outer float bodies into a folded W-shape for transport and unfolds the W-shape into a stretched operating position in which the upper decks of the two inner and the two outer float bodies form a planar driving deck. Portions of each one of the lower decks of the two inner and the two outer float bodies are planar in a longitudinal direction of each of the two inner and the outer float bodies over the entire length thereof.

Abstract: A foldable pontoon composed of two inner floating bodies and two outer bodies which are each connected to one another by joints and can be folded together in the form of a W in the transport position. The floating bodies are connected to each other by a pull rope device composed of pull ropes and levers for facilitating the folding and unfolding procedures, wherein a two-arm unfolding lever mounted at each end face of the outer floating bodies acts with one end at a stop and a pull rope is attached to the opposite end of the unfolding lever. The joint connection between the outer floating body and the inner floating body is constructed as a double joint with a joint shaft each connected to the outer floating body and to the inner floating body. The unfolding lever is constructed as a joint plate for effecting an articulated connection of the joint shafts. The unfolding levers arranged at the end faces of the pontoon are connected to each other so as to move together.

Abstract: A pontoon for military collapsible floating bridges and crossing ferries, including two inner floatation bodies and two outer floatation bodies, which are connected to one another by simple hinges. The outer floatation bodies have, adjacent to the inner floatation bodies, a slightly rising, level first deck section and, attached to this and forming a step, another rising, level second deck section. Furthermore, the outer bodies have a lateral wall, which forms a freeboard that acts as an over-wash protection. The inner and outer floatation bodies can be folded into a W-shape for transport. When folded the second deck section of the outer floatation bodies lies flat on the deck of the inner floatation bodies. The bottom of the outer floatation bodies is flat and is aligned with the bottom of the inner floatation bodies. The outer floatation bodies are wider than the inner floatation bodies. So that the center of buoyancy of the outer floatation bodies is as far as possible from the hinge.