Bombardier’s Defense division, along with its U.S. subsidiary Learjet Inc., have delivered a Global aircraft in special-mission configuration to the U.S. Air Force Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) programme based at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts.
“The defence sector is a key pillar of Bombardier’s future as our ultra-reliable and high-performing platforms are best suited to house and operate complex mission equipment,” said Éric Martel, President and CEO of Bombardier. “We are proud that our jets and know-how are being increasingly recognized around the world in this sphere and this delivery is a milestone, first of its kind since appointing Wichita as the home base for Bombardier Defense.”
The latest delivery, a Global 6000 aircraft, is the first mission-configured aircraft to be supplied under a contract for up to six modified Global 6000 aircraft, announced in June 2021 and which represents a potential total value of up to US$464.8 million (£400 million).
Bombardier has already delivered four Global aircraft to the BACN programme under previous agreements. Under the 2021 contract, the USAF has confirmed firm orders for three Global 6000 aircraft, with the next two deliveries expected in 2022 and 2023. The USAF has announced its potential to purchase an additional aircraft each year through 2025 under the 2021 contract.
