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Bringing home the BACN: Bombardier Specialized Aircraft reaches new heights

The Bombardier Specialized Aircraft group celebrated a key milestone recently when a single Global 6000 specialized aircraft reached 10,000 flight hours in only three years of in-service operation.


September 21, 2016  By Bombardier

When the U.S. Air Force was looking for the best aircraft platform a few years ago for its unique Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) program – an airborne communications relay that extends communications ranges, bridges between radio frequencies and “translates” among incompatible communications systems – it chose the Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft.

Two of the three modified Global 6000 aircraft in service had already exceeded 20,000 demanding flight hours. With the third Global 6000 aircraft hitting 10,000 flight hours with only 35 months in service, the Global 6000 is confirming its reputation as a most reliable platform.

“In 2008, Bombardier was extremely proud to have its aircraft platform selected by the U.S. Air Force. However, today our greatest source of pride resides in knowing that the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces are being supported in their critical missions by the unmatched reliability and dependability of the Global 6000 specialized aircraft,” said Stéphane Villeneuve, Vice President, Bombardier Specialized Aircraft.

From 2008 to 2012, facts show that there was at least one BACN Global 6000 aircraft in the air at all times*; averaging 720 flight hours in a month. The Global 6000 is recognized for its ability to fly intercontinental ranges without having to make refueling stops. Proof that Bombardier Specialized Aircraft’s platforms are ready when the mission calls.

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