BBE - BRIDGE ERECTION VESSEL
(BBE = Boat – Bridge Erection)

This vessel was designed to assist in the maneuvering, deployment, and retrieval, of military floating bridges and fits onto the same transport pallets (BAP- Bridge Adapter Pallet) as used for the bridge sections. Each bridge section (or boat) can be launched or retrieved in approximately 1 minute after preparation.
Prior to the development of these vessels, the boats used required their own truck with trailer which resulted in significant delays and confusion on the beach head. Another vessel evaluated, while fitting into the existing pallet, did not have sufficient speed to safely navigate rivers or retrieve breakaway bridge sections. In both the aforementioned scenarios, the troops are exposed to additional risk.

Two prototypes were built of welded aluminum, powered with twin 300 hp diesels on 14" waterjets and were evaluated by the military. After some minor modifications, orders were placed for several boats which are now in service.

Particulars:

• Length = 24' long Beam = 10.5' wide. Draft = 20".
• Speed- max. at trials = 30 mph. Panic stop- ( full speed) = 5 boat lengths .
• Dead push …..ahead = 6,500# , astern = 3,500#

• Can be ‘dry run’. Engine can be started and run on vehicle for 30 minutes prior to launching.
• Fits existing NATO trucks/pallets.
• Can be "free launched" from a height of 3 metres (10 feet) at 45 degrees angle (stern down).
• Single point pick-up (for handling with crane).
• Reduced infra-red signature.
• Can carry 12 battle ready troops. (up to 20 were carried in one emergency situation)