Birdon Signs Contract with Brazilian Army Commission to Deliver Bridge Erection Boats
In 3rd week of December, Birdon signed a Contract with the Brazilian Army Commission in Washington for the supply of two Bridge Erection Boats (BEBs) and services, including parts and training. This agreement further strengthens Birdon’s relationship with the Brazilian Army, having already supplied them with three BEBs over recent years.
The Contract will see a number of new technological advances incorporated into the BEB, including the newly developed custom winch system which is designed to increase operational efficiency while ensuring crew safety.
“Birdon BEBs operate flawlessly in the toughest environments we put them in, and that’s why the Brazilian Army is putting their trust in our products again and again” said Martyn Bowden, Head of Bridging and Propulsion at Birdon Group. “We are really pleased that we are able to increase the capability of the boats through the development of technology like winches. It’s another progression for the platform which is able to be retrofitted on previous iterations of the BEB and that is something we always strive for when designing new equipment.”
High water flow speed and debris from rainforests make Brazil’s rivers some of the harshest environments for BEBs to navigate. Although these environments can be particularly damaging for vessels with traditional propulsion systems, such as open propellers or typical high-speed waterjets, Birdon’s NAMJet mass flow waterjet technology allows for the BEBs to operate in these tough conditions.
Birdon has established a successful track record designing and manufacturing BEBs for the Australian, Brazilian and U.S. Armies. Globally, Birdon has delivered over 450 BEBs, the bulk of which have been manufactured in its production facility in northeast Denver. This latest agreement builds on existing orders that Birdon has in place with the U.S. Army and the Netherlands Army.
In its primary mission mode, the BEB provides propulsion, thrust and stabilization to support worldwide tactical float bridging and rafting operations. It is specifically designed to provide high thrust and operate in high particulate matter environments including in fresh, brackish and seawater. All functions of the BEB can be performed by no more than a two-person crew. The unique and flexible design of the BEB means it can integrate with most customer specific transport systems. Birdon has also developed a next generation control system capable of remote and autonomous operations.
Established in 1977, Birdon is an experienced defense prime contractor providing specialized maritime solutions. Birdon is an established and trusted partner of the Australian Defense Force, Brazilian Army, Royal Netherlands Armed Forces, the United States Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security. Birdon is successfully delivering on major projects for the Australian Navy, Australian Army, U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy.
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