Bombardier Defense has recently delivered the seventh Global 6000 jet to the U.S. Air Force (USAF) Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) programme at the company’s Hartford Service Centre, in Connecticut.
The BACN aircraft is a specialised 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 (£381 million). Bombardier has already delivered six Global aircraft to the BACN programme under previous agreements. The USAF has the option to purchase an additional aircraft each year through 2026 under the 2021 contract.
As part of the critical BACN programme, Bombardier’s Global aircraft serve as high-altitude communications gateways, relaying or bridging voice and data between air and surface forces, surmounting traditional obstacles such as mountains, rough terrain or distance. Dubbed “Wi-Fi in the sky” by the USAF, BACN-equipped Global aircraft acts as a universal gateway that can be utilised around the world. The Global-family of aircraft is the platform of choice for more than ten different mission types across the world given their ultimate combination of speed, range and endurance and the 24/7 worldwide support infrastructure Bombardier has implemented.
Bombardier Defense has dedicated in-house engineering and support teams in Wichita, KS, with the ability to incorporate customer-requested modifications and provide comprehensive integration solutions with complete certification capabilities across the full spectrum of civilian, military and hybrid operations. Recognised around the world for its diverse portfolio of proven and versatile specialised aircraft platforms, Bombardier cumulates decades of experience working with hundreds of special mission operators and renowned mission systems integrators.
