The US Army awarded GS Engineering a Phase I SBIR to address disadvantages in the Heavy Assault Scissor Bridge (HASB) launch mechanism, including stability issues, significant weight, and slow and minimal control during deployment and retrieval. The solution would also need to maintain or improve upon current bridge capacities while being integrated into a confined area.

As a result of this Phase I effort GS Engineering proposed the development of a weight-optimized launching system that would enhance control capabilities during deployment and retrieval. The success of Phase I was largely due to modeling, simulation, and structural analysis techniques which demonstrated the feasibility of the system. These techniques identified opportunities to minimize weight and meet the requirements by optimization of the mechanical arrangement and component design. This new launching system would increase host vehicle mobility, improve the bridge carrying capacity, and increase the readiness and capabilities of the fighting forces.

In Phase II, GS Engineering is realizing these opportunities in an innovative mechanical design while integrating existing, proven technologies to provide a reliable solution for the existing system. The Phase II refinements are exceeding the anticipated Phase I weight reduction target and greatly enhancing operator control during deployment and retrieval. Additionally, this new system will open the door for autonomous control. The final stages include prototype development, integration into a testing platform, and completion of functional testing. Analysis of data from this testing will allow for additional design refinements before the final production version is piloted for an extensive evaluation by the US Army.

“The GS Engineering team continues to provide innovative solutions to help stay ahead of our country’s adversaries,” said Jim Vendlinski, GS Engineering Vice President of Engineering, Technology, and Innovation. “We also embrace the opportunity to efficiently and effectively meet the operational needs of tomorrow’s soldiers.”