HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense and Bombardier Defense Celebrate Successful First Flight of PEGASUS Aircraft
HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense, and Bombardier Defense announced the successful first flight of the PEGASUS aircraft from Bombardier's Wichita facility. The aircraft, a modified Global 6000, is part of Germany's airborne surveillance program and will integrate HENSOLDT's Kalætron Integral SIGINT system for signal surveillance missions.
This milestone marks the first of three aircraft destined for the German Bundeswehr. The aircraft will undergo further flight testing at Bombardier's Wichita Flight Test Center before moving to Hamburg for systems integration and certification by Lufthansa Technik Defense. The project, awarded to HENSOLDT in June 2021, involves extensive collaboration between the three companies and various suppliers across Germany, Canada, and the U.S.
HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense e Bombardier Defense hanno annunciato il successo del primo volo dell'aereo PEGASUS presso lo stabilimento di Bombardier a Wichita. L'aereo, una versione modificata del Global 6000, fa parte del programma di sorveglianza aerea della Germania e integrerà il sistema di sorveglianza dei segnali Kalætron Integral di HENSOLDT per missioni di sorveglianza delle comunicazioni.
Questo traguardo segna il primo di tre aerei destinati alla Bundeswehr tedesca. L'aereo sarà sottoposto a ulteriori test di volo presso il centro di collaudo aereo di Bombardier a Wichita, prima di essere trasferito ad Amburgo per l'integrazione dei sistemi e la certificazione da parte di Lufthansa Technik Defense. Il progetto, assegnato a HENSOLDT a giugno 2021, prevede una stretta collaborazione tra le tre aziende e vari fornitori in Germania, Canada e Stati Uniti.
HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense y Bombardier Defense anunciaron el exitoso primer vuelo de la desde la instalación de Bombardier en Wichita. La aeronave, una versión modificada del Global 6000, forma parte del programa de vigilancia aérea de Alemania e integrará el sistema Kalætron Integral SIGINT de HENSOLDT para misiones de vigilancia de señales.
Este hito marca el primero de tres aviones destinados a la Bundeswehr alemana. La aeronave se someterá a más pruebas de vuelo en el Centro de Pruebas de Vuelo de Bombardier en Wichita antes de trasladarse a Hamburgo para la integración de sistemas y la certificación por parte de Lufthansa Technik Defense. El proyecto, adjudicado a HENSOLDT en junio de 2021, involucra una amplia colaboración entre las tres empresas y varios proveedores de Alemania, Canadá y Estados Unidos.
헨솔트, 루프트한자 테크닉 디펜스, 그리고 봄바르디어 디펜스는 봄바르디어의 위치타 시설에서 PEGASUS 항공기의 성공적인 첫 비행을 발표했습니다. 이 항공기는 수정된 글로벌 6000으로, 독일의 공중 감시 프로그램에 속하며 헨솔트의 칼레트론 인티그랄 SIGINT 시스템을 통합하여 신호 감시 임무를 수행할 예정입니다.
이 이정표는 독일 연방군을 위한 세 대의 항공기 중 첫 번째를 의미합니다. 이 항공기는 봄바르디어의 위치타 비행 테스트 센터에서 추가 비행 테스트를 거친 후 함부르크로 이전되어 루프트한자 테크닉 디펜스에 의한 시스템 통합 및 인증을 받을 것입니다. 이 프로젝트는 2021년 6월 헨솔트에 수여되었으며, 세 기업과 독일, 캐나다, 미국의 여러 공급업체 간의 광범위한 협력이 포함됩니다.
HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense et Bombardier Defense ont annoncé le premier vol réussi de l'
Cette étape marque le premier des trois avions destinés à la Bundeswehr allemande. L'avion subira d'autres tests de vol au centre d'essai en vol de Bombardier à Wichita avant de se déplacer à Hambourg pour l'intégration des systèmes et la certification par Lufthansa Technik Defense. Le projet, attribué à HENSOLDT en juin 2021, implique une collaboration étroite entre les trois entreprises et plusieurs fournisseurs en Allemagne, au Canada et aux États-Unis.
HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense und Bombardier Defense haben den erfolgreichen ersten Flug des PEGASUS-Flugzeugs aus dem Werk von Bombardier in Wichita bekannt gegeben. Das Flugzeug, eine modifizierte Global 6000, ist Teil des deutschen Luftüberwachungsprogramms und wird das Kalætron Integral SIGINT-System von HENSOLDT für Signalüberwachungsmissionen integrieren.
Dieser Meilenstein markiert den ersten von drei Flugzeugen, die für die deutsche Bundeswehr bestimmt sind. Das Flugzeug wird im Bombardier Flight Test Center in Wichita weiteren Flugtests unterzogen, bevor es nach Hamburg zur Systemintegration und Zertifizierung durch Lufthansa Technik Defense verlegt wird. Das Projekt, das HENSOLDT im Juni 2021 zugewiesen wurde, beinhaltet eine umfassende Zusammenarbeit zwischen den drei Unternehmen und verschiedenen Zulieferern in Deutschland, Kanada und den USA.
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- Bombardier’s Global aircraft, modified for the German armed forces’ Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System (PEGASUS) program, takes to the skies at Bombardier’s Wichita Flight Test Center
- With this new milestone, the first aircraft out of three to integrate the HENSOLDT “Kalætron Integral” signals intelligence (SIGINT) system for airborne surveillance missions is one step closer to entering service
- The aircraft will remain at Bombardier’s Wichita facility for further flight testing before its upcoming systems integration and aircraft certification, to be completed by Lufthansa Technik Defense in Hamburg, Germany
- An official celebration of PEGASUS’ first flight was held in Wichita today, bringing together officials from HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense and Bombardier Defense. This event marked the beginning of the flight testing phases for the next-generation German program
WICHITA, Kan., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense and Bombardier Defense today announced that the PEGASUS aircraft has completed its first flight out of Bombardier’s facility in Wichita, Kansas. Led by HENSOLDT, PEGASUS is an airborne missionized platform that will integrate the Kalætron Integral SIGINT system to perform highly critical signal surveillance missions for the German armed forces. As the aircraft officially enters its next phase and is moving one step closer to the Lufthansa Technik Defense-led systems integration and certification, a celebration was held to mark the PEGASUS aircraft’s first flight. Representatives from HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik and Bombardier Defense as well as representatives from the German Armed Forces traveled from Germany, Canada, and across the United States to gather in Wichita and celebrate this pivotal program milestone.
This stage of aircraft testing is conducted by the Bombardier Flight Test Centre (BFTC) team, located in Wichita, where Bombardier’s highly skilled pilots validate key aspects of the program. These successful tests demonstrate the high capability of the Bombardier Global aircraft to complete the German Air Force’s critical missions. This represents a significant milestone for the first of three modified Global 6000 aircraft destined to be delivered to the German Bundeswehr.
“Germany’s next generation signal intelligence aircraft is flying high,” said Steve Patrick, Vice President, Bombardier Defense. “This successful first flight is the result of the strong collaboration and shared knowledge between HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense, Bombardier Defense and our suppliers, to get the modified, high-performing Global 6000 aircraft for the PEGASUS program in the air. With flight testing regularly underway from Bombardier’s Wichita base, the aircraft continues to gather essential certification data to improve and perfect the platform before it moves to the next stage.”
“Today marks an important milestone for the PEGASUS programme,” said Dietmar Thelen, Head of Spectrum Dominance Division at HENSOLDT. “With the integration of our Kalætron-Integral system, we are delivering key components that are essential for the ‘reconnaissance of tomorrow’. This achievement underscores the excellent cooperation between HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense and Bombardier Defense.”
“Seeing the first PEGASUS aircraft taking to the skies bearing the Lufthansa Technik Defense logo fills me with pride and also joyful anticipation, as it brings us one decisive step closer to welcoming this aircraft back at our site,” says Michael von Puttkamer, Vice President Special Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik. “I’d like to congratulate and thank the outstanding Bombardier Defense team for their great performance in reaching this important project milestone, and I look forward to the upcoming flight test activities as well as the ongoing cooperation with HENSOLDT in the subsequent integration and certification of their highly sophisticated signals intelligence system.”
In June 2021, HENSOLDT was awarded the contract to supply an airborne system for electronic signals intelligence on board three Bombardier Global jets based on its Kalætron Integral system. Since that award, HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense and Bombardier have collaborated closely on a joint design activity. Extensive structural modification work has been performed to prepare the first aircraft at Bombardier Defense’s U.S. base in Wichita, Kansas, which houses an important contingent of the company’s experienced and skilled defense workforce. This is the site of the initial ground and flight test activities.
Upon completion of initial testing, each aircraft will be transferred to Lufthansa Technik Defense’s facilities in Hamburg for further integration work. The company is moreover responsible for the regulatory certification of PEGASUS on the overall aircraft level. So far, Lufthansa Technik has completed its design activities for the integration of the mission system, the additional civil and military avionics systems as well as the aircraft cabin. The production process of interior parts has also already started in order to ensure the components’ readiness for immediate installation when the aircraft arrives in Hamburg. In the meantime, HENSOLDT has adapted the systems architecture to the operational needs of the German Bundeswehr. The corresponding hardware and software developments are currently in progress, various demonstrations have shown the immense potential and capabilities of the upcoming solution.
HENSOLDT is acting as general contractor and bears overall responsibility for the realization of the project. Lufthansa Technik Defense will act as a subcontractor, procuring the modified aircraft from Bombardier and fitting and integrating the reconnaissance system developed by HENSOLDT into the platform. Many small and medium sized enterprises from all over Germany, Canada and the U.S. are involved in the project as part of the supply chain for all companies bringing PEGASUS to the finish line.
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.
About HENSOLDT
HENSOLDT is a leading company in the European defence industry with a global reach. Based in Taufkirchen near Munich, the company develops complete sensor solutions for defence and security applications. As a system integrator, HENSOLDT offers platform-independent, networked solutions. Being a technology leader, the company is also driving forward the development of defence electronics and optronics and is continuously expanding its portfolio based on innovative approaches to data fusion, artificial intelligence and cyber security. In 2023, HENSOLDT achieved a turnover of 1.85 billion euros. Following the acquisition of ESG GmbH, the company employs around 8,000 people. HENSOLDT is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in the MDAX.
About Lufthansa Technik Defense
Since 2023, Lufthansa Technik AG has underlined its strategic decision to participate more strongly in the market for the maintenance of military aircraft with its Lufthansa Technik Defense brand, under which all activities in the defense business for the German Armed Forces and its NATO partners are bundled. Besides the PEGASUS project, Lufthansa Technik is also part of the industrial teams in various other current modernization and procurement programs for the German air and naval forces, such as the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft or the CH-47 Chinook heavy transport helicopter. In addition, Lufthansa Technik Defense has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Lockheed Martin, Rheinmetall and ESG for the technical support of the future German fleet of F-35 fighter aircraft.
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. Follow us on X @Bombardier.
Bombardier, Bombardier Defense, Global and Global 6000 are registered or unregistered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Media Contacts
Stephanie Faraggi
Advisor, Public Relations and Communications, Bombardier
+1-514-513-7830
stephanie.faraggi@aero.bombardier.com
Lothar Belz
Head of Public Relations, HENSOLDT
+49 (0)731.392.3681
Lothar.belz@hensoldt.net
Michael Lagemann
Spokesperson for Lufthansa Technik
+49-151-5892-6557
michael.lagemann@lht.dlh.de
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cb8ec506-055f-449a-bff8-06c0286eb476
FAQ
What is the purpose of the PEGASUS aircraft program for Bombardier (BDRBF)?
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