The first of three Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft equipped with the modified Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System will soon undergo ground testing and flight demonstration.
Under a partnership with Hensoldt, Bombardier Defense and Lufthansa Technik Defense are tasked with providing the foundational modification work package and integrating the PEGASUS signal intelligence system into the aircraft, respectively, for the German armed forces.
Hensoldt developed the SIGINT tool based on the company’s Kalaetron Integral system under a billion-dollar contract awarded in June 2021. PEGASUS passed a critical design review in November 2023, leading to the implementation of the system design.
“The rollout following the recent passing of the critical design review clearly shows that the PEGASUS program is on track,” said Jurgen Halder, vice president of airborne SIGINT at Hensoldt.
The ground and flight tests will be performed at Bombardier Defense’s U.S. base in Wichita, Kansas. Following the trials, the aircraft will head to Lufthansa Technik Defense’s facilities in Hamburg to complete its integration work.
The two remaining Global 6000 aircraft are being modified in a Bombardier facility.