DENVER, Aug. 19,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Birdon
America, Inc. announced today that its contract to provide
Bridge Erection Boats (BEBs) to the Netherlands Army is progressing
on schedule, with six Birdon BEBs in the final stages of assembly
with delivery scheduled for the end of September. Awarded in 2023
to General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), the contract is
for three sets of Wide Gap Crossing systems, composed of the
Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB), Bridge Adapter Pallets (BAP), and
Birdon BEBs. This is the first of three delivery tranches that will
be completed in 2024-2025.
"We're proud to supply the BEB as an essential force multiplier
for the Netherlands Army," said BEB Program Manager Jim Ducker. "These vessels play a pivotal role
in enabling vitally important wet gap crossings, and this first
delivery indicates contract completion is progressing in a timely
manner."
In addition to first tranche delivery, the full Integrated
Logistics Support (ILS) package – including technical manuals and
training programs – is nearing completion. Birdon will use this
package to conduct training for the Netherlands Armed Forces to
safely and effectively operate the BEBs. The training is set to
take place in the Netherlands in
the first quarter of 2025.
In preparation for the upcoming delivery, Birdon hosted a
meeting in July with personnel from the Netherlands Army's Contract
and Program team and the GDELS Program Management team to verify
the progress of boats currently in production and finalize the
quality inspection and delivery process. During the meeting, Birdon
also performed a sea trial on the first boat – hull number 007.
Birdon has established a successful track record designing and
manufacturing BEBs for the Australian, Brazilian, and U.S. Armies.
Globally, Birdon has delivered 462 BEBs, the bulk of which have
been manufactured in its production facility in northeast
Denver. The Netherlands BEBs,
which are being manufactured in Denver, will feature increased capabilities to
improve operations and further ruggedize the BEB including an
icebreaker bow, new quick release launch capability, electric
winch, and reduced maintenance and downtime upgrades for maximal
operational availability.
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 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. The Netherlands BEBs will include updated systems that
enable ease of integration for developing technologies.
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, and the U.S. 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.
Contact: Sandra Armstrong,
251-699-1458
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SOURCE Birdon Group