AVLB

There are two Armoured Vehicle Launched Bridges in the simulation. One based
on the Leo 1 (Biber) hull and the other on a T-55 (MT-55).

This guide will use the Leo 1 version (the techniques are the same but the Leo
bridge is launched using a lower profile than the T-55 variant).

Biber launching bridge:

MT-55 launching bridge:

In the observer position F8, the

AVLB is displayed.

Num + provides a NVG view at

suitable lighting levels.

Pressing N provides a magnified

view.
Num + provides a NVG view at
suitable lighting levels.

F9 switches to the “Driver’s

Position” view of the vehicle (which
also has a NVG option):

The bridge is launched and

recovered from the Driver’s
Position.

Q raises the Driver to looking out

of the hatch (Z lowers you).

No NVG or magnified option.

A combination of this view and

F8 allows the bridge to be
launched effectively.

Suggested sequence:

Drive up to crossing point on the

near bank:

A judgement call, but the MT-55

could use its smoke generator
(activated by “shift + TAB”)
during the approach.

(Take care not to drive into the

obstacle)
Depending on the situation, pop
Smoke (using the TAB key from
the F9 position). If it’s a stealthy
breach this may just attract
attention.

This is not available to the MT-55

but it does have the smoke
generator.

Deploy Bridge (space bar in F9

position).

The first indicator that this process

has started is the lowering of the
dozer blade.

The process is complete when the

dozer blade is raised.

If the river is too wide, the bridge

will sink into it.

Back away for cbt elm to cross

(next phase of SOSRA).

Once the cbt elm have crossed the AVLB can cross, recover the bridge (reverse
process – approach from far bank and press space bar) and proceed.

Note:

The AVLB is unarmed and the Crew Commander’s position (F7) is not modelled.

The AVLB’s single bridge will span an 18m gap.

You can (with luck) span a wider gap using more than one AVLB. The first lays its
bridge, the second drives onto the laid segment and lays its bridge and so on
until a bridge is on the far bank.

If you do achieve this only the bridge segment closest to the far bank can be
recovered.

This is not recommended for wide rivers (e.g. the Rhine).

Points for Scenario Designers*:

(* Source: http://www.steelbeasts.com/sbwiki/index.php/Biber#Mobile_bridge_considerations)

Starting with SB 2.620, it is now possible to specify that bridge carrier vehicles
start without carrying a bridge, and to pre-deploy AVLB bridge segments.

To remove a bridge from a

bridgelayer, right-click the
vehicle in the mission editor and
select the "carrying bridge" entry:

To place an independent bridge

segment, right-click on any point
on the map and select a bridge in
the "New mobile bridge" menu.
You can then move and rotate the
bridge by manipulating its map
graphic.
The designer can also decide if a
mobile bridge should be made
deployable (either for the whole
map or in a deployment zone).
Right-click on a bridge segment
and select the desired option

Scripting:

To script the gap crossing:

- Give the AVLB / MT-55 a slow column route leading up to the crossing site.

- Start the “Breach” route approx 50m short of the near bank.

- On far side of the breach, one "embark if" route for AVLB.

To script the crossing by follow on forces:

Once the bridge is laid, the follow on forces can cross with a slow march route to
the start of the breach route and then the relevant route once the “embark if”
waypoint is reached.

If you have numerous vehicles it can still be best to drive each one over
independently (in the F8 or F9 position) and then reform the TP or PL on the far
side.

To speed this up in multi-player, other units can be given appropriate tactics and
then the human players can drive a vehicle over each.

(rev. 2.654).