The French EFA Mobile Crossing Apparatus

The French EFA Mobile Crossing Apparatus

The French EFA Mobile Crossing ApparatusĀ or Engin de Franchissement de l’Avant (forward crossing apparatus) is an autonomous amphibious bridging system designed for the crossing of personnel or light vehicles or tanks up to 70 tons (a single tank can only pass one at a time) on a loading area of 96 m2. It is able to perform in one hour 10 to 12 crossings for a cut of 100m and 8 to 10 crossings for a cut of 200m.

The vehicle contains the crew cabin, engine room, axles and a rear compartment, 2 ramps hinged, two-pronged media floats and a removable cockpit.

The French EFA Mobile Crossing Apparatus

Following extensive trials the EFA was selected by the French Army. Final trials were completed in 1987 and the French Army ordered 80 units (later reduced to 39) to replace the Gillois bridge and ferry system. The EFA is also referred to as the Forward Crossing Vehicle with first production units being delivered to the French Army in 1992.In 2006 production of an enhanced version of the EFA commenced for a undisclosed country in the Middle East who placed an order for 10 units with all of these completed by 2009.