TMM Russian Truck-Mounted Scissors Bridge

The TMM is a Cold War era vehicle launched bridge of Soviet origin. It was developed to allow Soviet forces to traverse small gaps and water and gaps that are wider than a single bridge but do not require a pontoon. The name TMM stands for Tyazhelo Mekhniznrovanny Most , which is Russian for heavy mechanized bridge. The TMM remains in use, but has been replaced in production by the larger and more capable TMM-6. The TMM is a bridge system that is based on the KrAZ-214 6x6 7t truck. The improved TMM-3 uses the later KrAZ-255B 7.5t truck chassis and launches the same bridge. A 10.5 m folded scissor bridge is carried at the rear of a vehicle. The bridge is launched rearwards using a pivoting metal frame and a series of steel wire and winches connected to the engine. The bridge rests on the river floor by means of two variable length struts. A single bridge section has a length of 10.5 meters and an infinite number can be connected. Normally four TMM vehicles form a unit and together are able span a 40 meter gap. The bridge sections can be laid in gaps and water between 1.7 and 3.2 meters deep. The bridge has a 50 t weight capacity and the roadway allows for vehicles ranging from small cars to tanks. The TMM-4 variant uses a 60 t weight capacity bridge. The TMM was produced in large quantities and was acquired by the USSR, most Warsaw Pact nations and many nations receiving Soviet aid. Despite its age the TMM remains in service although it is no longer produced.