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Birdon has achieved a significant milestone after delivering its latest Bridge Erection Boat (BEB) to the US Army.
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It was Birdon’s 100th BEB delivered to the US Army, and the occasion was celebrated with the company team, US Army personnel, key suppliers, and special guests at Birdon’s headquarters in Denver, Colorado.
Birdon was awarded the US Army contract in 2013, and began production of the first BEB alongside NAMJET in 2014 in its factory in Denver.
The first BEB was delivered in 2015.
The BEB provides propulsion, thrust and stabilisation to support tactical float bridging and rafting operations, and is specifically designed to operate in high particulate matter environments.
The importance of this type of bridge system was reinforced during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 when the US Army took only five hours to build a 600-metre ribbon bridge across the Tigris River. This was the longest floating bridge constructed in a combat zone since the Second World War.
On average, the Port Macquarie-based company produce three BEBs and 10 water jet propulsion systems per month.
As a result of Birdon’s success in the contract, the US army has extended itd original deal until the end of 2020.
The contract is worth US$252 million and will see the company deliver 374 BEBs.
The company also develops remote autonomous control systems for its BEBs.
