Delivery Supports High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System Program

The US Army recently took delivery of its first Global 6500 from Bombardier Defense. The aircraft is part of the Army’s High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program.

“HADES is the centerpiece of the Army's collection strategy, and the Global 6500 is the system that brings that strategy to life,” commented Andrew Evans, Director of the HQDA G-2 ISR Task Force. “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.”

The Global 6500 is powered by two Rolls-Royce Pearl engines, producing speeds of up to Mach 0.90. It allows 6,600 nm and 18 hours of nonstop flight, making it an effective choice for long-range missions. It can seat up to 17 occupants.

The army’s new Global 6500 was presented at a ceremony held at Bombardier’s US Headquarters in Wichita, Kansas. It was attended by US Senator Jerry Morgan, Kansas authorities, and US Army leadership.

The aircraft will be used to enhance and modernize the US Army’s airborne deep-sensing capabilities. It marks the first prototype airframe delivery for the next-gen aerial-intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (A-ISR) objective.

“The partnership between Bombardier, the U.S. Army and the Wichita workforce has produced a next-generation aircraft equipped to meet the demands of warfare in a new era of technology,” stated US Senator Jerry Moran. “This is the start of a new chapter in the aviation capabilities of our military and continues Kansas’ legacy of defense manufacturing.”

The Army’s current A-ISR fleet is made up of over 60 Cold War-era aircraft, working towards the same purpose under painfully outdated platforms. With communications threats increasing, the Army introduced the HADES program to design solutions independent from allied military installations.

FMI: www.bombardier.com