Germany and the Netherlands have ordered two prototypes of a new ground tactical bridge launcher from MAN Technology (the company that used to be the Krupp armament works). These will be built on new-production Leopard-2 tank chassis, it proving too expensive to modify existing surplus Leopard-2 tank chassis. The prototypes are to be delivered in 2001; production will begin in 2004 for 35 German and 14 Dutch bridge launchers. The vehicles are expected to cost less than $6.5 million each, including two bridges.--Stephen V Cole