Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft Expands US Army Aerial Intelligence.

According to a PR published by Bombardier on November 25, 2024, the firm has achieved a major milestone by delivering the first Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft to the U.S. Army for its High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program. This advanced platform is set to revolutionize the Army’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
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Bombardier Defense delivers the first Global 6500 aircraft to the U.S. Army, marking a new era for advanced ISR capabilities under the HADES program. (Picture source: Bombardier)

The delivery ceremony, held with notable attendees including U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), Kansas state officials, and U.S. Army leaders, marked the handover of the initial prototype airframe. This milestone signifies the transition to the next phase of the HADES program, focusing on integrating sophisticated ISR systems that enhance the Army’s operational capabilities.

The Global 6500 sets itself apart from legacy ISR platforms with its remarkable capabilities. Its operational endurance of up to 18 hours and dispatch reliability of 99.83% enable it to deliver consistent performance across extended missions. The platform’s ability to operate at higher altitudes enhances sensor effectiveness, while its cost-efficient maintenance schedule ensures long-term operational efficiency. These features make it an indispensable tool for missions requiring deep-sensing and comprehensive aerial intelligence.

HADES is designed to address the limitations of the Army's current ISR fleet, which includes aircraft like the RC-12X Guardrail and the EO-5C Airborne Reconnaissance Low, both in service for over four decades. These older platforms are less suited for modern multidomain operations and face challenges in terms of speed, range, and payload capacity. The HADES program aims to overcome these challenges by deploying large-cabin business jets equipped with advanced sensor suites, enabling operations at higher altitudes and over greater distances.

The Bombardier Global 6500 business jet has been selected as the platform for HADES. This aircraft offers significant advantages in speed, range, and endurance compared to legacy turboprop models. Its higher operational altitude allows for deeper penetration into contested areas, providing commanders with timely and accurate intelligence. The Global 6500's payload capacity supports the integration of multiple sensor systems, including signals intelligence (SIGINT), synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and moving target indicator (MTI) technologies.

In August 2024, the U.S. Army awarded Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) a contract to serve as the lead system integrator for HADES. Under this contract, SNC is responsible for integrating various sensor technologies onto the Bombardier Global 6500 platform. The initial award is valued at $93.5 million, with a potential ceiling of $991.3 million over 12 years.