Bombardier Specialized Aircraft Confirms Additional Global Aircraft Deal with U.S. Air Force

The United States Air Force and Bombardier Learjet Inc. subsidiary have secured an agreement to assist the BACN (Battlefield Airborne Communications Node) programme.The USAF’s IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity) contract allows for flexible ordering and includes an initial firm order for one Global 6000 aircraft, with up to five more Global 6000 aircraft on the way. The deal, which includes engineering and modification work, may be worth up to $465 million in the United States.

Since 2007, Bombardier has provided four Global aircraft to the United States Air Force for the BACN programme, which is an aerial relay that expands communication ranges, bridges radio frequencies, and “translates” across incompatible communications systems. The United States Air Force has assigned BACN aircraft the designation E-11A.

“Bombardier is proud to once again be chosen by the United States Air Force to contribute our high-performing and our unique knowledge Global aircraft to the BACN programme,” said Michel Ouellette, Executive Vice President, Specialized Aircraft, Programs, and Engineering, Bombardier. “It is a privilege for our U.S.-based personnel to contribute their expertise to this prestigious project.”In the following days, Bombardier teams in the United States will begin construction on the next BACN aircraft, while continuing to provide in-service maintenance and enhancements to the current BACN fleet.

The Global Platform will be upgraded to accommodate the mission’s communications equipment at Bombardier in Wichita, Kansas.Bombardier is proud to be a key employer in the United States’ aviation industry, and it collaborates with local universities and technical institutions to inspire and teach the next generation of aerospace professionals.