Short Gap Crossing

Short Gap Crossing

The short gap crossing system enables tracked and wheeled combat and support vehicles to lay Pipe Fascines, in order to cross wet and dry gaps rapidly without the need for bridging.

Overview

The Short Gap Crossing System consists of a stowage, launching and recovery capability for Pipe Fascines.  Systems are available for heavy, medium and light vehicles. 

The Pipe Fascine is a bundle of lightweight plastic pipes chained together to allow the bundle to alter its shape to the profile of the gap. Pipe Fascines do not create dams in wet gaps and can be recovered and reused many times.

They can be used in natural gaps, bomb craters, anti-tank ditches and to replace destroyed bridges.

A single Maxi Pipe Fascine, can fill a gap 5.00m (16’5”) wide for tracked vehicles. More can be added for wider gaps.

Mini Pipe Fascines are available for light armoured vehicles.

Technical Summary

Maxi Pipe Fascine
Weight 2,500kg (5,510lb)
Width 4.60m (15’)
Approximate Diameter 2.20m (7’3”)
NATO Stock Number NM/5680-99-772-1832

Mini Pipe Fascine
Weight 210kg (463lb)
Width 4.60m (15’)
Approximate Diameter 0.55m (22”)
NATO Stock Number NM/5680-99-772-1833