SAPPERS from 33 Armoured Engineer Squadron, 26 Engineer Regiment, based at Perham Down, have been out on the Salisbury Plain Training Area rehearsing the use of air transportation of bridging equipment to gain maximum effect in minimum time.

They used a Chinook helicopter from RAF Odiham to assist them in the movement of a medium girder over-bridge, the type used to strengthen culverts and damaged bridges.

Transporting equipment by air is a proven way to get equipment to where it is most needed in the shortest time possible, therefore minimising danger to both manpower and equipment from attack at ground level.

The bridge, which is usually transported by road, comprises several sections made of high tensile aluminium alloy and was assembled by an eight man team of sappers with each of the sections taking four men to lift it.

When laid, the bridge has the strength to bear the load of the heaviest tracked vehicles in the British Army’s fleet.

Leading the team was Sergeant Adam Brown, 33. He said: “We were amazed at how easily it was lifted.

“This was the first time we have done this and I have never seen it done before in the 13 years I have been in the Army.

“We did find out it would take us longer to prepare than was expected.

“You can’t just sling chains around it and lift it but that is the value of the exercise.

“It has given us planning yard sticks so we can deliver the right thing, in the right place, at the right time.”

However, the exercise was not just about lifting heavy equipment, it also gave an opportunity for the troops to practice how to mount and dismount the airframe.

For some it was the first time they had flown in a Chinook.

The rehearsal exercise was in preparation for a mandatory validation exercise as the Squadron progresses towards taking part in Exercise Wessex Storm later in the year.