Six More Global Aircraft in Special Mission Configuration Heading To The Air Force

Bombardier has confirmed an agreement between its Learjet subsidiary and the US Air Force in support of the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) program.

The Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract provides the USAF with flexible ordering and includes an immediate firm order for one Global 6000 aircraft, with as many as five additional Global 6000 aircraft. The contract, which includes engineering and modification work, represents a potential total value of close to $465 million US.

Bombardier has already delivered four Global aircraft to the US Air Force since 2007 for the BACN program, an airborne relay that extends communication ranges, bridges between radio frequencies and “translates” among incompatible communications systems. BACN aircraft are known in the US Air Force as the E-11A.

Bombardier teams in the U.S., who continue to provide in-service support and upgrades to the current BACN fleet, are poised to begin work on the next BACN aircraft in the coming days. Engineers and technicians at Bombardier Specialized Aircraft’s Center of Excellence in Wichita, Kansas, will modify the Global platform to support the communications equipment required for the mission, while teams in Tucson will provide the aircraft’s interior and eventually perform the exterior painting work.

Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) had the following statement: “I am pleased to see that the Air Force is following through on its purchase of another E-11A aircraft to support battlefield communications for forward-deployed forces. These planes are engineered and outfitted for the Air Force right here in Wichita, and this purchase is the latest example of Kansans supporting our national security operations back at home.”

“Supporting the U.S. Air Force's BACN program while increasing work for Kansas aviation manufacturers is a win for the Air Capital of the World and for our country,” said U.S. Representative Ron Estes (R-Kansas). “These Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft modified and tested in Wichita give our airmen a competitive advantage in flight and communication." 

FMI: www.specializedaircraft.bombardier.com