Introduction

The TMM is an early 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 is no longer in production.

Design

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. The bridge is extended by repeatedly adding sections with the TMM vehicle reversing onto previous bridge sections.

Bridge capabilities

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.

Users

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. A more capable TMM-6 was developed in Russia, but remains only in limited production.

The TMM is a bridge laying vehicle that carries a single scissor bridge. There are no transloading vehicles. Each section is carried on its own TMM vehicle. The original TMM is based on the KrAZ-214 or ZIL-157 truck. The TMM was supplemented by the improved TMM-3, which is based on the more capable KrAZ-255B truck chassis. The TMM-3 can be distinguished from the TMM by its spare tire carried on the roof of the cab and its associated steel frame.