Bombardier Defense has successfully handed over the ninth Global 6000 business jet to the U.S. Air Force, specifically for the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) program. This significant handover took place at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, Massachusetts, the operational home of the BACN program office.
The newly delivered aircraft, designated as the E-11A, is set to function as a high-altitude communications hub. Its primary role will be to maintain secure voice and data links between air and ground forces, thereby enhancing situational awareness and coordination during missions that demand consistent and reliable connectivity across challenging terrains, including mountains and extended distances.
The BACN initiative was inspired by experiences from operations in Afghanistan. It initially tested its communications technology on NASA’s WB-57 Canberra aircraft before transitioning to Bombardier’s Global jets. Since its launch, the BACN fleet—affectionately referred to as “Wi-Fi in the sky”—has successfully completed over 15,500 missions, boasting a mission readiness rate exceeding 98 percent.
The latest aircraft delivery is part of a larger contract approved in 2021, which is set to total up to $465 million, with annual order placements scheduled through 2025. The first E-11A under this agreement was delivered in September 2022, followed by the most recent aircraft delivery in November 2024.
Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice President of Aircraft Sales at Bombardier Defense, expressed his pride in seeing their Global aircraft support the U.S. Air Force in crucial missions worldwide. He acknowledged the trust placed in Bombardier by the Air Force and emphasized their commitment to addressing the operational needs of the United States.
The E-11A BACN aircraft is powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710A2-20 turbofan engines, enabling it to achieve a top speed of 504 knots (equivalent to 580 miles or 933 kilometers per hour) and an operational altitude ceiling of 51,000 feet (approximately 15,545 meters). In terms of dimensions, the aircraft stretches to 100 feet (30 meters) in length, with a wingspan of 94 feet (29 meters), allowing it to carry up to 17 personnel or payloads weighing around 5,770 pounds (2,617 kilograms).
