FIA2024 – Bombardier’s Military business-jets
Bombardier Defense recently delivered the sixth Global 6000 aircraft to Swedish defence supplier Saab, ready to be transformed into its Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) solution known as GlobalEye
The aircraft is the first of three GlobalEyes ordered for the Swedish Air Force. The UAE have received four of the five GlobalEyes ordered. Based on the Global 6000/6500 aircraft family from Bombardier, GlobalEye combines Saab’s Erieye Extended Range radar with an advanced suite of sensors and a multi-domain Command and Control (C2) system.
Bombardier Defense has also delivered seven Global 6000 aircraft to the US Air Force for its Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) programme. The BACN aircraft is a specialized communications platform, known in the USAF as the E-11A, that is part of a previously announced multi-year contract representing a potential total value of close to US$ 465 million. Bombardier has already delivered seven aircraft to the BACN programme under previous agreements. The USAF has the option to purchase an additional aircraft each year through 2026 under a 2021 contract.
The Luftwaffe operates four Global 5000s and three Global 6000s for VIP transport. Bombardier has rolled out the first Global 6000 set to be modified to the Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System (PEGASUS) configuration for the Luftwaffe. Bombardier is tasked with the foundational modification work package, collaboratively working with Lufthansa Technik Defense, which will complete the system integration at its special-mission centre in Hamburg, Germany. The first aircraft has now rolled out from the Bombardier Defense modification line in Wichita and is being prepared for the start of ground testing and for the subsequent flight. The remaining two aircraft are undergoing modifications in Bombardier’s facility.
The Swiss Air Force has acquired a Bombardier Global 7500 for VIP missions. The 7,700 nm range aircraft will replace a Cessna Citation Excel 560XL used by the air force’s Federal Air Transport Service.
Bombardier and Marshall have entered into a strategic collaboration to offer the most advanced protected VIP solution, supported by another market leader, Leonardo, which is providing its proven laser-based protection equipment to ensure the safety of VIP passengers.
At FIA2024 Bombardier stressed their aircraft’s capabilities of operating up to 50,000 ft, or at sea level with short landing performance at hot and high airfields. They are able to supply small numbers of aircraft customised for special mission operations.
Photos courtesy Saab and D. Oliver
