Image source: topwar.ru
Footage has been published online showing a new Chinese "assault" bridge designed for engineering support of tank and mechanized troops. It allows you to overcome anti-tank trenches, small rivers and other similar obstacles.
It is possible that it belongs to the GQL-410 type. Presumably, the Chinese design is modeled on German solutions such as Biber and Leguan. Before the bridge is raised, the span is extended in a horizontal plane. This solution has its advantages and disadvantages.
Image source: topwar.ru
The positive aspects include the comparative secrecy of the work being done, since the bridge is laid out in a horizontal position, low above the ground, and does not raise the span vertically to a height, which the enemy may notice. Among the disadvantages are a more complex design, high cost and a slightly longer deployment time compared to the so-called scissor bridges.
Image source: topwar.ru
In the Russian army, as before in the Soviet one, scissor-type bridge pavers are used. One of the most successful options is considered to be the MTU-90, which was accepted for supply in 1997.
Image source: topwar.ru
The new Chinese bridge with a length of 24 meters and a maximum load capacity of 55 tons uses the ZTZ-96 tank, formerly known as the ZTZ-88C, as a chassis. The ZTZ-96 and ZTZ-96A machines are the main types of the PLA MBT. At the same time, deliveries of the new ZTZ-99 tank are underway.
