SSB M3

In 1984, the Eisenwerke Kaiserslautern (EWK) company began the study to replace the M2 Alligator amphibious bridging vehicle within the German Armed Forces. For this purpose, it was designed a vehicle similar to the previous one but with greater load capacity and a faster and simpler assembly system. In 1992 a prototype designated as “SSB M3 ” was presented by EWK. SSB is the acronym for “Schwimm Schnell Brücke” or “Quick Floating Bridge”. Soon after, in 1994, production of the first 68 vehicles began. This batch was distributed between the Bundeswehr (30) and the British Army (38). Finally, in 1996 the new vehicle entered service with both armies. Each SSB M3 has three deployable aluminium pontoons that can be joined together by means of connectors or “ramps” to form long floating bridges. The SSB M3 rig goes directly into the water, where it is propelled by 2 fully traversable pump jets. Once there, deploys the pontoons to be joined, or carry the vehicles on top of it, playing the role of a ferry to go from shore to shore.

SSB M3 gallery and more info