Singapore commissions new locally-developed Hunter armored vehicle-launched bridge system

 

The Hunter Armored Vehicle-Launched Bridge (HT-AVLB) on display. Photo c/o Singapore Army.

Singapore's Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) released information on their social media on 09 November 2022 the unveiling and commissioning of the Hunter Armored Vehicle-Launched Bridge (HT-AVLB) with the Singapore Army's 55th Combat Engineers.

This coincides with the 55th Combat Engieers' 55th Anniversary 

The vehicle was developed by tbe DSTA and Singapore Army, and built by ST Engineering, and uses the new Hunter tracked armored vehicle as its platform, but without the additional side armor panels found on the armored fighting vehicle variant.

The removal of the side armor panels reduces the weight of the HT-AVLB platform to compensate for the weight of the bridging system.

Also included in the system is a Mixed-Reality Simulator which allows for the improved training and competency of the HT-AVLB's operators.

The vehicle has been designed to operate with high degree of safety for its crew, which allows the vehicle to be operated with all hatches closed, and uses several cameras to provide high level of situational awareness for its operators.

DSTA claims that the HT-AVLB can deploy its bridge within seven minutes, and is networked with other Hunter armored vehicles platforms, most likely using the newly-developed Army Tactical Engagement and Information System (ARTEMIS) battlefield command and communication system first found on the Hunter AFV.

The HT-AVLB was designed to replace the ageing AMX-13 SM1 AVLB, which appears to be the only variant of the AMX-13 that is still in service with the Singapore Army, and will primarily used to support mechanized units.





[1] Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen
[2] Army Recognition
[3] Asian Military Review