Birdon Group boats destined for Brazilian defence market

Defence boat builder Birdon Group has 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.

The Port Macquarie, New South Wales company has previously supplied the Brazilian Army with three BEBs over recent years.

The new BEBs will incorporate a number of technological advances including a newly developed custom winch system which is designed to increase operational efficiency while ensuring crew safety.

Head of Bridging and Propulsion at Birdon Group Martyn Bowden said: “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.

“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 can damage 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 delivered over 450 BEBs for the Australian, Brazilian and U.S. Armies, the bulk of which have been manufactured in its production facility in northeast Denver.

In its primary mission mode, the BEB provides propulsion, thrust and stabilisation to support tactical float bridging and rafting operations.

All functions of the BEB can be performed by no more than a two-person crew, and they are suited to most customer transport systems.

Birdon has also developed a next generation control system capable of remote and autonomous operations.

Established in 1977, Birdon is delivering on major projects for the Australian Navy, Australian Army, U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy.

Last week the company’s design for Advanced Landing Craft was selected for testing by the US Marines.

Further reading:
Birdon Group vessel selected for US Marine Corps tests
Port Macquarie’s Birdon wins big in US defence market
Defence ensures future of Austal and its Henderson shipyard

Picture: Birdon Group