Given that only a handful of E-11A aircraft exist so far, and that they have been quietly in service for over a decade, it may be surprising to learn that the E-11A  is one of the most in-demand military aircraft out there. The E-11A is a modified Bombardier Global Express aircraft, which was more commonly used as a business jet until the military variant was first released in 2011. 

The E-11A’s high demand is greatly due to its role in the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) mission, but this sophisticated business jet offers a versatility that may make it a popular option for other missions and roles in the future. In this article, we’ll discuss the commercial and military roles of the Global Express and E-11A, beyond the BACN mission. We’ll explore: 

  1. The history and development of the E-11A
  2. The BACN mission to date
  3. Other Bombardier Global Express variants
  4. Bombardier Global Express uses and operators
  5. The future of the E-11A
  6. E-11A aircraft sustainment at Greenwood Aerospace

The Greenwood Aerospace team has more than 40 years of industry experience. Known for being a rapid, innovative, and agile aerospace solutions provider, we offer aircraft sustainment and many other aviation and aerospace-related services. We’re a renowned leader in the supply and procurement of OEM and aftermarket quality aircraft parts, for E-11As and many other aircraft. Contact us today to discuss how to keep your fleet safely and efficiently in the sky. 

In the meantime, join us as we discuss the Bombardier Global Express, revealing its journey from a specialized communications node to a versatile and sought-after asset in the aerospace industry. 

Brief History of the E-11A

The E-11A is derived from the Bombardier Global 6000, one of Bombardier’s most successful commercial aircraft. Let’s take a look at how the Global 6000 was transformed into a highly specialized military aircraft, the Bombardier E-11A. 

Bombardier Aviation

Bombardier Aviation is a renowned Canadian aerospace manufacturer celebrated for its innovation and reliable production of quality business jets. With a legacy dating back to the 1930s, Bombardier has consistently delivered cutting-edge aircraft that combine performance, comfort, and adaptability. The Bombardier Global Express was introduced in the mid-1990s as part of the ultra-long-range business jet category.

During its peak production in the 1990s, Bombardier had manufacturing plants in almost 30 different countries, employing more than 70,000 personnel, but the company has since reduced its workforce to less than half of that, and sold a portion of its holdings. The Global Express is still in production today, along with the Challenger series, another popular line of Bombardier business jets. 

Initial Development of the Bombardier Global Express

In 1986, Bombardier acquired Canadair, along with its Challenger 600 business jet. This catalyzed Bombardier’s entry into the field of longer-range business jets, and led to the company planning an aircraft that could carry up to eight passengers and four crew over 6,500 nautical miles at Mach 0.85. In 1991, Bombardier first announced its plans to build the Global Express, and in 1996, the aircraft took to the skies for the first time. 

Development of the E-11A

The E-11A program marked a strategic collaboration between Bombardier and the United States Air Force (USAF). In its early stages, the aircraft was adapted to serve as the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node, or BACN, a critical role in facilitating communication between disparate elements on the battlefield. 

The decision to use Bombardier Global 6000s for BACN highlighted the aircraft's capacity for advanced communication technologies, secure data transmission, and the ability to operate in challenging environments.

In 2009, the USAF awarded Northrop Grumman a contract to help the USAF deploy BACN in four Bombardier BD-700 Global Express aircraft. These modified Global Express aircraft then became the E-11As, initially used for the BACN platform and deployed in Afghanistan, where the E-11A BACN mission operated for over a decade. 

E-11A Technical Specs

The E-11A aircraft is modified from the Bombardier Global 6000 platform. This aircraft was well-suited to the necessary BACN military modifications, thanks to its high maximum altitude and maximum payload capacity. Here’s an overview of the E-11A aircraft’s technical specifications: 

  • Wingspan: 94 feet
  • Length: 99 feet, 5 inches
  • Height: 25 feet, 6 inches
  • Engine: Twin Rolls-Royce BR710A2-20 high-bypass turbofan engines
  • Maximum takeoff weight: 99,500 pounds
  • Payload capacity: 5,770 pounds
  • Maximum altitude: 51,000 feet
  • Maximum speed: 504 knots 

The E-11A aircraft also features a modern avionics suite, including four large glass displays, Synthetic Vision Systems, a MultiScan weather radar, and other advanced features. 

What is the E-11A BACN Mission?

To date, the main role of the USAF’s E-11As has been operating as a key component in the BACN mission. But what exactly is the E-11A BACN mission, and what role does this specialized aircraft play? In this section, we’ll explore:

  1. The BACN mission overview and background
  2. The role of E-11A aircraft in the BACN mission
  3. Mission progress, updates, and latest news
  4. The new US Army E-11A contract

Here’s why the E-11A BACN platform has become so highly sought after, and the role the E-11A plays in the BACN mission. 

BACN Mission Overview and Background

The BACN mission emerged as a response to the complex and dynamic nature of modern warfare, where seamless communication is paramount for mission success. The Battlefield Airborne Communications Node, or BACN, acts as a high-altitude communications relay that bridges gaps between various communication systems, enabling interoperability among various platforms. 

This capability is particularly crucial in areas where mountainous terrain or other factors hinder direct line-of-sight communications. It’s been labeled as the “WiFi in the sky” by the USAF, and allows real-time information to be flown across battlespaces. It’s become a critical component in fixed-wing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

E-11A Aircraft Role in the BACN Mission

The BACN refers to the payload itself, not the mission. The BACN isn’t tied to any specific aircraft, but is currently used on the E-11A. The role of the E-11A is to serve as a flying communications hub, ensuring that ground troops, aircraft, and command centers can exchange real-time information seamlessly. Its sophisticated communication suite facilitates secure voice, video, and data transmissions, making it a key asset in global operations.

With its long-range capabilities, endurance, and advanced avionics, the E-11A is well-served for this role as a specialized ISR aircraft. It can fly for around 12-14 hours at once, has a high operational ceiling, and with BACN, offers more reliability than both traditional satellite communications and mobile radio units, which are limited to line-of-sight. 

Mission Progress, Updates, and Latest News

Over the years, the E-11A BACN mission has evolved and adapted to meet the changing demands of modern conflict, though details of the BACN mission aren’t always shared publicly. The initial four E-11As were used in Afghanistan for more than a decade, and BACN payloads have also been developed and installed on EQ-4B Global Hawk aircraft, another type of ISR platform used for unmanned missions. 

For 12 years until 2021, all four E-11As were based in Afghanistan. Following the removal of all troops from the region, the E-11A aircraft were reassigned to Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, as the Air Force retired its JSTARS and replaced them with E-11As. In 2021, it was announced that the USAF was growing its BACN fleet, with more E-11As on order. 

The USAF awarded Bombardier with a contract worth up to $465 million for a maximum of six additional Bombardier Global 6000 business jets, to be modified into E-11A aircraft. In early 2023, the E-11A BACN mission was back overseas, operating out of Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. 

E-11A BACN of the U.S. Air Force at Kandahar International Airport

Other Bombardier Global Express Variants

Beyond its role in the E-11A BACN mission, the Bombardier Global Express family showcases a diverse range of variants, including: 

  • Global 5000
  • Global Express XRS
  • Global 6000
  • Global 5500/6500
  • Military variants

Each variant is tailored to meet specific requirements in the realms of business and luxury transport, as well as meeting specific military needs. 

Global 5000

The Global 5000 first flew in 2003. Its cabin is almost six feet shorter than the Global 6000, and it also has a significantly lower maximum takeoff weight. This variant of the Global Express can carry between 8 and 19 passengers and is the epitome of business luxury travel. 

The aircraft features an optional private room and a galley that has room to prepare 16 five-course meals. Aircraft sustainment services for the Global 5000 can be quite costly, with a major, 15-year inspection costing between $800,000 and $1.2 million. 

Global Express XRS

Building upon the success of the original Global Express, the XRS variant boasts an extended range, pushing the boundaries to approximately 6,000 nautical miles. Its high-speed capabilities allow for rapid transcontinental travel, making it a preferred choice for business leaders. The cabin features exquisite interiors, customizable for comfort and productivity, with advanced systems, improved takeoff performance, and an enhanced flight vision system for a secure and efficient journey.

Global 6000

The Global 600 is the variant the  Bombardier E-11 BACN is modeled on, and has an extended range of approximately 6,600 nautical miles, giving it one of the best ranges among business jets. The Global 6000 also features the new Bombardier Vision flight deck, and has a wing design that increases comfort in turbulent conditions. This variant was first announced in 2011, and by 2019, over 300 had been delivered. 

Global 5500/6500

The Global 5500 and 6500 variants were introduced in 2019, and had revamped cabin designs with updated seats. These aircraft also featured new Rolls-Royce BR710 Pearl engines, which use as much as 13% less fuel to reduce operating costs. With ranges of approximately 5,900 and 6,600 nautical miles, respectively, these variants redefine what is possible in terms of global travel. 

Military Variants

The Global Express has been modified for military missions, with many different variants created for military operations and army aviation units around the world. These include: 

‍

  1. A Global 6000 with specialized radar upgrades for the United Arab Emirates Air Force
  2. Conversion of two Global 6000s into surveillance aircraft for the United Arab Emirates
  3. The Raytheon Sentinel, a surveillance aircraft formerly used by the Royal Air Force
  4. A maritime patrol aircraft built on the Global 6000 platform 

Germany, Turkey, and many other NATO nations also use Global Express variants for a range of missions and roles. 

New U.S. Army Contract for Global 6500 Aircraft

In January 2024, the U.S. Army awarded a contract to Bombardier Defense to provide at least one Global 6500 aircraft to serve as a prototype airframe for a new spy plane program. The government contract includes an option to purchase two additional aircraft over three years. The first aircraft is set to be delivered in October 2024. 

The High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System, or HADES, will be the first Army fixed-wing ISR platform that uses a business jet with advanced deep-sensing capabilities. Currently, the Army is using a Challenger 650 for deep ISR work, known as Artemis (Aerial Reconnaissance and Targeting Exploitation Multi-Mission Intelligence System). However, the longer range of the larger Global 6500 and higher operating altitudes bring several new advantages to the program. 

The Airborne Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare System (ARES) is a U.S. Army ISR aircraft.

What’s the Future of the E-11A?

As the Bombardier E-11A continues to play a major role in airborne communications, the future of this platform holds both promise and anticipation. Here’s what we know so far about the future of the E-11A aircraft. 

Increasing Fleet Numbers

The E-11A is one of the most in-demand aircraft in the U.S. Air Force aircraft inventory. The three initial E-11A’s flew almost continuously in Afghanistan, being removed only as necessary for aircraft sustainment. Additional E-11A aircraft have been ordered to support the BACN program, several of which have already been delivered. By 2027, a total of 9 E-11A aircraft should be in service. Once these have been delivered, it’s unclear whether the U.S. Air Force will request additional E-11As. 

Future Developments and Upgrades

The dynamism of modern warfare and the ever-evolving nature of communication technologies necessitate continuous improvements in aircraft capabilities. Future developments and upgrades for the E-11A are likely poised to enhance its performance, so it remains at the forefront of airborne communications. Advanced avionics, communication systems, and improvements to the aircraft’s range could be areas where improvements are targeted.

The Future of BACN

The BACN system continues to be in high demand, and it’s expected that the U.S. Air Force will continue to use it for many years to come. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean the E-11A will be used for future BACN missions, if it becomes more affordable to replace aging E-11As in the future with a cheaper airframe, or one with a better range or higher operational ceiling. 

Northrop Grumman has recently developed BACN pods that can be temporarily mounted to a wide range of aircraft. Experts suggest that BACN-light payloads affixed to aircraft with hard points could provide layered BACN services to fighter jets and other war-fighters in contested airspaces where there was competition for the electromagnetic spectrum. These payloads wouldn’t require a BACN-specific aircraft, and could be especially beneficial in areas where infrastructure is limited. 

Bombardier E-11A Aircraft Sustainment

Ensuring the longevity and operational readiness of the E-11A fleet requires a robust aircraft sustainment strategy. From routine maintenance to addressing any issues that arise, ongoing sustainment is essential to maintain the cost-effectiveness and safety of the E-11A fleet. 

E-11A Aircraft Sustainment at Greenwood Aerospace

At Greenwood Aerospace, we have the skills and experience to keep these complex aircraft mission-ready through advanced aircraft sustainment. With reliable military supply chains of original and after-market parts, we can source parts rapidly and minimize your aircraft’s downtime. Call us today to learn how we can keep your fleet safe and operational. 

Our Expertise and Qualifications 

Over the last four decades, we’ve learned what it takes to keep aviation programs and facilities operational and safe. Greenwood Aerospace is AS9120B certified, and our team is committed to consistently achieving customer satisfaction with product quality, on-time delivery, and reliable customer service.

We work closely with every client, and our experienced team monitors and implements new industry requirements to ensure the integrity of products and services delivered to our customers. We take every opportunity to stay ahead of supply chain threats and ensure we have quality aircraft parts and accessories on hand when you need them. 

Greenwood Aerospace is U.S. Department of State ITAR-registered, registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), and eligible for HUBZone contracts. 

Other Aviation and Aerospace Services 

As well as aircraft sustainment, we specialize in several aviation and aerospace services, including: 

Contact us here to discuss E-11A aircraft sustainment or your program’s other needs, or request a quote to get started.