The United States Air Force has received its ninth Bombardier Global aircraft this year, according to a statement from Bombardier Defense. The jet is a highly modified Global 6000, dubbed the E-11A by the USAF.
- Stock Code
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BBDB
- Date Founded
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July 10, 1942
- CEO
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Éric Martel
- Headquarters Location
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Dorval, Canada
- Business Type
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Planemaker
The E-11A serves a critical role in the data-centric battlefield of 2025, providing an airborne communications bridge for troops on the ground in harsh terrain. The delivery took place earlier this month at Hanscom Air Force Base. It is the most recent of a long and successful program between Bombardier Defense and the USAF.
BACN: Battlefield Airborne Communications Node
The E-11A is a communications platform that facilitates maximum situational awareness and interoperability. The fleet of BACN aircraft is often referred to as “Wi-Fi in the sky” since they serve as high-altitude communications bridges. For nearly 20 years, the USAF’s military grade Global 6000 fleet has conducted communications missions all over the world, bridging data and voice communications between air and land units that navigate challenges like extreme distance and mountainous terrain.
In addition to increasing situational awareness by combining tactical and operational air and ground images, BACN gives vital information to all operational echelons in the battlespace. Air Force pilots and Army units on the ground, for instance, normally receive distinct data information. BACN allows both to see the same image. Because it can translate across differently formatted or operated communications systems, all units can work together with a full picture of the battlefield.
Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice President, Aircraft Sales and Bombardier Defense, said:
“At Bombardier Defense, we are honored to see our reliable, high-performing Global aircraft serve the United States Air Force in critical missions worldwide through the BACN program. We are grateful for the longstanding trust of the US Air Force, and we look forward to continuing to support the operational needs of the United States.”
The E-11A’s Mission
A myriad of systems has been developed to address the challenge of interoperability with airborne networking over the past few decades. In order to make data from one network interoperable with another, the USAF envisioned a gateway that would act as a kind of universal translator. BACN was developed in 2005 by the USAF to provide data and voice interoperability across aircraft in one area, regardless of native systems.
The E-11A is considered untethered, platform-agnostic, and system-agnostic in terms of its technological profile. In 2005, it had its first flight at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California. BACN was chosen for field deployment after demonstrating its effectiveness in the Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment in 2006 and 2008.
The US Armed Forces’ tactical data link network includes weapon links, common data links, and tactical links, with types of data links like Link 16 and EPLRS, among others. The digital flow of information between military units is hindered when data link capabilities are not compatible with one another. By serving as a universal translator, or gateway, BACN facilitates communication between troops on the front line.
Bombardier Defense At A Glance
Bombardier Defense offers unique capabilities through its portfolio of high-performance Challenger and Global executive aircraft. The division uses engineering and maintenance expertise to craft custom solutions for any mission. Priding itself on a collaborative and flexible approach, Bombardier Defense strives for long-term partnerships with government and military clients.
Hundreds of Bombardier aircraft have been made for critical airborne missions around the world, including Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), or Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) roles. The lineup also includes border and maritime patrol, multirole, VIP transport, medevac, humanitarian assistance, and more.
Bombardier Defense is based in Wichita, with a manufacturing presence across North America. The special division of the world’s third-largest aircraft maker leverages established connections with the most advanced mission system providers around the globe to deliver the best products. Through Bombardier’s worldwide support network, the company offers expert maintenance services and tailored support options to government and military customers anywhere they need it.