Bombardier Defense has delivered the first Global 6500 to the US Army for deployment as part of the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System program, known as HADES.
The Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft will be deployed as part of a new era in US Army intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) solutions.
The Global 6500 is the first US Army-owned large-cabin business jet utilized for Aerial Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance platforms and will be used to strengthen the military’s aerial deep sensing abilities.
Delivery of the new jet took place on November 25, 2024, at a ceremony held at Bombardier Group’s US Headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, with Senator Jerry Moran among the many dignitaries.
Great to be in the Air Capital of the World to celebrate the delivery of the first @Bombardier #Global6500 aircraft to the @USArmy in support of the #HADES program.
— Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) November 25, 2024
The partnership between #BombardierDefense, the Army and the Wichita workforce has produced a next-generation… pic.twitter.com/tommryX0H3
“Bombardier Defense is honored to support the U.S. Army with the delivery of the first Global 6500 aircraft, a high-performance platform that possesses the speed, endurance-at-range and altitude capabilities to support deep-sensing for the Army of tomorrow,” Steve Patrick, Vice President of Bombardier Defense, said. “This best-in-class jet is the future-proofed solution to provide the U.S. Army with the capabilities needed to face current and future threats.”
According to Bombardier, the Global 6500 provides several advantages for military entities, such as reliability, operational reach, and expanded operating areas.
“HADES is the centerpiece of the Army’s collection strategy, and the Global 6500 is the system that brings that strategy to life. This aircraft gives us the range, payload capacity, speed and endurance to deliver timely, relevant and responsive capabilities for the full spectrum of Army and Joint collection requirements,” said Andrew Evans, Director of HQDA G-2 ISR Task Force.
The US Army confirmed on January 3, 2024, that Contracting Command-Redstone Arsenal and Army Fixed Wing Project Office had ordered a Bombardier Global 6500, with options to purchase two additional aircraft over a three-year period.
The spy plane will carry out ‘deep sensing’ operations, allowing the US military to see strike threats from greater distances.
Delivery of the Bombardier Global 6500 marks the beginning of the next stage of the HADES program to integrate systems.
“HADES will operate at higher altitudes than legacy turboprop platforms. Higher altitudes equate to an ability to sense farther and more persistently into areas of interest. Deep sensing is the Army’s number one operational imperative for the Army of 2030,” Col. Joe S. Minor, Project Manager for Army fixed-wing aircraft, said in January 2024.