PEGASUS intelligence aircraft completes successful first flight [VIDEO]

The PEGASUS aircraft is a missionised platform integrating HENSOLDT’s Kalætron Integral SIGINT system, which will enable the German Bundeswehr to conduct advanced signal surveillance. Representatives from HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defence, Bombardier Defence, and the German armed forces gathered in Wichita to celebrate this significant achievement.

Testing is being conducted by the Bombardier Flight Test Centre (BFTC), where highly skilled pilots validate key aspects of the programme. The first flight of the modified Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft demonstrated its capacity to meet the German air force’s stringent operational requirements, marking a key step toward the delivery of the first of three aircraft to the Bundeswehr.

Steve Patrick, Vice President of Bombardier Defence, praised the collaboration between the teams involved, stating, “Germany’s next-generation signal intelligence aircraft is flying high.” He highlighted the strong partnership between HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defence, Bombardier Defence, and their suppliers as the driving force behind the successful first flight.

Dietmar Thelen, Head of Spectrum Dominance Division at HENSOLDT, commented, “Today marks an important milestone for the PEGASUS programme,” and emphasised the critical role of the Kalætron-Integral system in shaping future reconnaissance capabilities. The successful first flight is a testament to the strong cooperation among the involved companies.

Michael von Puttkamer, Vice President of Special Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik, expressed pride in the project, noting the excitement surrounding the aircraft’s progress. He commended the Bombardier Defence team for their dedication and looked forward to further testing and system integration at Lufthansa Technik Defence’s facility in Hamburg.

HENSOLDT was awarded the contract in 2021 to provide an airborne electronic signals intelligence system for three Bombardier Global 6000 jets, which led to extensive design collaboration among the three companies. Initial ground and flight tests are being conducted at Bombardier’s Wichita site before the aircraft moves to Hamburg for further integration and certification by Lufthansa Technik Defence.

As the project progresses, each aircraft will undergo further systems integration in Hamburg, including the fitting of HENSOLDT’s mission system and avionics. This partnership, involving a supply chain of small and medium-sized enterprises from Germany, Canada, and the U.S., ensures that the PEGASUS programme will meet its goals, bringing advanced reconnaissance capabilities to the German armed forces.