Section II. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION AND DATA

TM 5-5420-279-23

Section II. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION AND DATA

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The DSB system consists of a launcher, launch beam and bridging modules including end

beams and approach ramps. It is compatible with the pallet loading system and is transported on

four PLS flatracks. It is lightweight in construction and easy to construct by a crew of only eight

personnel. It provides a bridging span of 131 ft 2 in (40 m) and 14 ft 1 in (4.3 m) width.

A launcher attached to the transport vehicle consists of a crane, a slide frame, a launch

frame and a fold out A-Frame for leveling and stabilization.

The crane is operated separately while the launcher is operated via hydraulic circuits

controlled from a chest pack. The chest pack includes a joystick and illuminated panels to

indicate the current action being or about to be executed. Leads from a control cabinet on the

vehicle terminate at either end of the vehicle to facilitate connection of the chest pack lead.

The launch frame also carries the first section of the launch beam upon which the forward

and rear carriages, used to support the bridge sections during assembly and placement, are

already in place. The launch frame features a launch beam drive unit to move the launch beam

forward or rearward as required and winches, attached to the launch frame, control the

movement of the carriages and the raising or lowering of the bridge.

Fig 1.1 Launcher Vehicle

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