The Global 6500 aircraft is recognised as a high-performance platform, offering extended range, speed, and endurance. Designed to replace legacy airborne sensor platforms, it provides advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, capable of flying higher, faster, and farther to meet modern military demands.
This delivery represents the next stage in the HADES programme, which aims to modernise the U.S. Army’s aerial intelligence capabilities. Speaking at the ceremony, Steve Patrick, Vice President of Bombardier Defense, stated, “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.”
Andrew Evans, Director of the HQDA G-2 ISR Task Force, highlighted the significance of the partnership between Bombardier and the Army. “HADES is the centrepiece of the Army’s collection strategy, and the Global 6500 is the system that brings that strategy to life,” he said. He emphasised the aircraft’s ability to deliver critical intelligence across a full spectrum of Army and joint operational needs.
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran praised the collaboration between Bombardier, the Army, and the Wichita workforce, calling the HADES programme a new chapter in military aviation. “The HADES aircraft has the tools needed to deter threats, conduct surveillance and help keep our country safe,” Moran remarked, underlining the importance of Kansas’ defence manufacturing legacy.
The Bombardier Global 6500 is specifically engineered to enhance ISR missions with a maximum endurance of up to 18 hours and a dispatch reliability of 99.83%. With the capacity to operate in diverse conditions and from extended ranges, it is equipped to meet evolving military requirements. Its adaptability is supported by Bombardier’s 24/7 global services network, providing seamless operational support and tailored modifications.
