Eurosatory 2018: CNIM modernized PFM to be delivered to French Army in 2019.

At Eurosatory 2018, the CNIM Group is unveiling a modernized variant of its Motorized Floating Bridge (PFM). The PFM is a solution dedicated to river and similar type crossings, in service in several armies, in France as well as in Italy, Switzerland and Malaysia.

The implementation performance of the PFM remains unmatched today.

With two possible configurations, bridge and ferry, the PFM offers a sure tactical advantage: it can be deployed easily, in a short time and with a minimum of men; it does not need auxiliary boats and enjoys recognized reliability on land. 

CNIM Group recently announced the award by the French Defense Procurement Agency of a contract for the development and construction of equipment for the PFM. The objective of this contract is to develop the bridge to better meet the current and future needs of the Army from 2019 onwards and in three main aspects:

• Maintain capabilities at an operational level in mainland France, especially in the framework of the Neptune Plan*;

• Respond to new support needs for forces in external operations. Having become air transportable, the PFM will be able to deploy rapidly to theatres abroad. / New short ramps, incorporated in the modules will allow the construction of a ferry from 2 modules, for a carrying capacity of more than 40 tonnes (standard MLC40 vehicle). Finally, personnel on board the prime movers will now be under armoured protection.

• Provide the PFM with a new logistics transport capacity: a droppable tray system implemented from PFM trailers will facilitate ease of use and deployment.
With a unique control system, a doorway consisting of 2 modules can be controlled by a single operator equipped with a wireless control console. In addition to reducing the headcount required for implementation, this innovation gives the PFM an additional advantage for rapid crossing, especially at night.

With this new version of the PFM, CNIM offers equipment best suited to crossing requirements worldwide: reliable, robust, easy to implement. The first modified equipment will be delivered to the French Army in mid-2019.