Birdon set to deliver new Denver-built bridge erection boats to Netherlands

First sea trial of bridge erection boat (BEB) Hull 007

Birdon America Inc. reports 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.

The BEBS are being delivered as part of three sets of Wide Gap Crossing Systems, ordered from General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), the systems are composed of the GDELS Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB), Bridge Adapter Pallets (BAP), and the Birdon BEBs.

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.

“We’re proud to supply the BEB as an essential force multiplier for the Netherlands Army,” said Birdon 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.”

This is the first of three delivery tranches that will be completed in 2024-2025.

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, Colo. 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.