Bombardier Defense Proudly Delivers Eighth Global Aircraft to the U.S. Air Force Battlefield Airborne Communications Node Program

Rhea-AI Summary

Bombardier Defense has delivered its eighth Global aircraft to the U.S. Air Force's Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) program. This delivery is part of a multi-year contract with a potential total value of nearly US$465 million. The BACN aircraft, designated E-11A, serves as a high-altitude communications gateway, enabling enhanced situational awareness and interoperability between air and land forces. A ninth aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2025.

The Global aircraft platform was chosen for its speed, agility, and low operating costs, making it suitable for specialized missions. Known as 'Wi-Fi in the sky,' these aircraft can relay voice and tactical data, overcoming obstacles like mountains and terrain.

Positive

• Multi-year contract with USAF valued at US$465 million
• Successful delivery of eighth aircraft with ninth scheduled for 2025
• Platform selected for 10+ different mission types globally
• Low operating costs and fuel efficiency of Global aircraft

Negative

• None.

Rendering of the BACN 8 aircraft

• Bombardier Defense delivered the eighth Bombardier Global aircraft to the United States Air Force for the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) program at the company’s service centre in Hartford, Connecticut
• Bombardier’s multi-year agreement with the Air Force supports a distinctive and reliable airborne communications platform that is essential for completing critical missions across air, space, land and sea
• Due to their proven reliability, endurance, reduced maintenance costs and fuel efficiency, Global business jets have become the go-to platforms for specialized missions around the world

MONTRÉAL, Oct. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier Defense today announced the delivery of the eighth Bombardier Global jet to the United States Air Force’s (USAF) BACN program, which is part of a previously announced multi-year contract between Bombardier and the USAF. This deal represents a potential total value of close to US$465 million. To date, Bombardier Defense has delivered seven Global aircraft to the BACN program under other agreements, with a ninth aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2025.

“We are proud that Bombardier's category-defining Global aircraft continue to be a platform of choice for the U.S. Air Force,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice President, Aircraft Sales and Bombardier Defense. “The speed, agility and low operating costs of our Global jets make them ideally suited for specialized missions meant to strengthen national and international security initiatives, such as the critical BACN program. With the delivery of this aircraft, Bombardier Defense continues to deepen its relationship with the U.S. Air Force and set itself apart as a missionized platform provider of choice.”

The BACN aircraft, known as E-11A, is a specialized communications platform that enables enhanced situational awareness and interoperability. Dubbed “Wi-Fi in the sky” by the USAF, BACN-equipped Global aircraft act as high-altitude communications gateways that can be used around the world, relaying or bridging voice and tactical data between air and land forces, and surmounting obstacles such as mountains, rough terrain or distance. Due to their unmatched combination of speed, range and endurance, Bombardier Global aircraft remain the platform of choice for more than 10 different mission types across the world.

Bombardier Defense has dedicated in-house engineering and support teams with the ability to incorporate customer-requested modifications and provide comprehensive integration solutions with complete certification capabilities across the full spectrum of civilian, military and hybrid operations. Recognized around the world for its diverse portfolio of proven and versatile specialized aircraft platforms, Bombardier brings decades of experience working with hundreds of special mission operators and renowned mission systems integrators.

About Bombardier

At Bombardier (BBD-B.TO), we design, build, modify and maintain the world’s best-performing aircraft for the world’s most discerning people and businesses, governments and militaries. That means not simply exceeding standards, but understanding customers well enough to anticipate their unspoken needs.

For them, we are committed to pioneering the future of aviation—innovating to make flying more reliable, efficient and sustainable. And we are passionate about delivering unrivaled craftsmanship and care, giving our customers greater confidence and the elevated experience they deserve and expect. Because people who shape the world will always need the most productive and responsible ways to move through it.

Bombardier customers operate a fleet of approximately 5,000 aircraft, supported by a vast network of Bombardier team members worldwide and 10 service facilities across six countries. Bombardier’s performance-leading jets are proudly manufactured in aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico.

For Information

For corporate news and information, including Bombardier’s Environmental, Social and Governance report, as well as the company’s plans to cover all its flight operations with a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend utilizing the Book and Claim system visit bombardier.com.

Learn more about Bombardier’s industry-leading products and customer service network at bombardier.com. Follow us on X @Bombardier.

Media Contacts
General media contact webform

Stephanie Faraggi
+1-514-513-7830
stephanie.faraggi@aero.bombardier.com

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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c5e2ded4-6b00-402c-8153-d252bfb1f158

FAQ

What is the value of Bombardier's (BDRBF) BACN contract with the U.S. Air Force?

The multi-year contract between Bombardier and the U.S. Air Force for the BACN program has a potential total value of nearly US$465 million.

How many Global aircraft has Bombardier (BDRBF) delivered to the BACN program?

Bombardier Defense has delivered eight Global aircraft to the U.S. Air Force's BACN program, with a ninth aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2025.

What is the purpose of Bombardier's (BDRBF) E-11A BACN aircraft?

The E-11A BACN aircraft serves as a high-altitude communications gateway, dubbed 'Wi-Fi in the sky,' relaying voice and tactical data between air and land forces while overcoming terrain obstacles.