The US Air Force has received its ninth E-11A BACN aircraft, a modified Bombardier Global 6000, under an ongoing contract with Bombardier Defense. The milestone delivery took place at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts, home to the BACN program office, which oversees development and integration of the advanced communications system.
The E-11A serves as a high-altitude airborne communications hub, enabling secure data and voice connectivity between disparate ground and air platforms. This function is essential for operations in challenging environments such as rugged mountain ranges and remote battle zones, where conventional communications may be disrupted. Its presence enhances mission coordination, situational awareness, and decision-making in dynamic operational theaters.
BACN was conceived after communications shortfalls were identified during US military operations in Afghanistan. The program began with trials on NASA’s WB-57 Canberra before moving to Bombardier’s long-range business jets. The fleet has since earned the nickname “Wi-Fi in the sky,” having completed over 15,500 missions with a mission availability rate above 98 percent.
The recent handover is part of a $465 million contract signed in 2021, under which Bombardier is scheduled to deliver aircraft annually until 2025. Previous deliveries under this arrangement occurred in September 2022 and November 2024. The E-11A is powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710A2-20 turbofans, offering speeds up to 504 knots and an operating ceiling of 51,000 feet. The platform spans 100 feet in length and 94 feet in wingspan, with the capacity to carry 17 personnel or nearly 2,600 kilograms of payload.
