U.S. Air Force’s Specialized Bombardier Global Jet Fleet Passes 100,000 Flight Hours

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A Global 6000 like the one shown above is one of four Bombardier business jets the company’s Specialized Aircraft team has modified for the U.S. Air Force’s Battlefield Airborne Communications Node program. (Photo courtesy of Bombardier.)

Bombardier reports that four Global business jets customized by its Specialized Aircraft team for the U.S. Air Force’s BACN (Battlefield Airborne Communications Node) program have collectively surpassed 100,000 flight hours. Although he Global aircraft platform (which includes the Global 5000, 5500, 6000, 6500, 7500, and 8000 models) is primarily designed for business travel, Bombardier’s Specialized Aircraft team based in Wichita, Kansas, can adapt them to carry out surveillance, medical evacuation, VIP transport, and other special mission types.

Meeting Demanding Situations

The BACN program (described as an “airborne communications relay that extends communication ranges, bridges between radio frequencies, and ‘translates’ among incompatible communications systems”) took delivery of its first Global Express in 2007. The fleet now also includes two Global Express XRS variants and one Global 6000. Within the Air Force, the jets are known as the E-11A, Bombardier says.

In addition to modifying the jets, the Specialized Aircraft team continues to support them and provide upgrades. Steve Patrick, Bombardier Specialized Aircraft vice president, says, “This 100,000-flight-hour milestone is a testament to the aircrafts’ performance and endurance, clearly demonstrating that the Global platform excels in demanding situations.”

“Excellent Dispatch Reliability”

Bombardier’s Specialized Aircraft team has entered 500-plus specialized aircraft into service to date. Bombardier says the BACN program’s Global jets have routinely flown 18-plus hours a day for months on end, “demonstrating the excellent dispatch reliability of the Global platform.” Global aircraft in general are ideal for critical government missions due to the speed, agility, endurance, and low operating costs they provide compared to competing aircraft, Bombardier says. Bombardier also produces Learjet and Challenger business jets.

You’ll find a large selection of new and used Bombardier, Bombardier Challenger, Global, and Learjet aircraft for sale every day on Controller.com, including Global Express, Global Express XRS, and Global 6000 models.

Source: Bombardier