WFEL builds bridge across the channel
The company has a three-strong product portfolio which is currently in operation with over 40 armed forces worldwide. Its flagship system is the Dry Support Bridge (DSB) which is the world’s longest unreinforced tactical military bridge that can span gaps of up to 46 metres.
Deployed in less than 90 minutes by 8 personnel the DSB, with its military load classification (MLC) of 120, can traffic the heaviest of main battle tanks in use today.
A £40 million order has just been secured for the DSBs from the US Department of Defence (DoD) and production will start later this year.
The order is the latest development in the company’s relationship with the DoD which has seen nearly 100 DSBs ordered worth in excess of $450 million.
Originally an aircraft manufacturer, WFEL launched its first tactical bridging unit on to the international market in the 1970’s with the development of the Medium Girder Bridge (MGB).
The MGB is a lightweight bridging system and over 500 units have been sold globally. Today it is often used in emergency relief missions and recent use includes deployment in Japan following the devastating tsunami and earthquake in 2011.
The third system in WFEL’s portfolio is the Air Portable Ferry Bridge (APFB) which was designed for light forces needing increased mobility and flexibility. The APFB – which incorporates a ferry system – is easily transportable and is used in a variety of military and civil emergency applications.
Max Houghton, Sales and Marketing Director of WFEL, said: “Meeting senior leaders from armed forces at exhibitions such as Eurosatory is essential to ensure that the capabilities of our bridging systems are known the world over.
“Armed forces need to be sure they have the tactical infrastructure in place to rapidly overcome any water or dry-gap obstacles standing in the way of both military and disaster and emergency relief missions.
“Our bridges provide the ideal solution to these problems and ensure operations can be carried out quickly, safely and efficiently.”
WFEL is exhibiting on stand number 440 within the UK Pavilion at Eurosatory.
