Bombardier E-11A
Bombardier · Canada · first flew 2012 · transport aircraft
The Bombardier E-11A is the US Air Force designation for a modified Bombardier Global 6000 business jet fitted with the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) system, providing high-altitude communications relay and gateway capability for US and allied forces.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 30.3 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- US Air Force BACN communications relay aircraft based on Global 6000
- Twin rear-mounted turbofan engines
- T-tail with highly swept wing typical of Bombardier Global series
Externally similar to a Bombardier Global 6000 business jet: long narrow swept-wing low-wing fuselage, twin rear-mounted engines, T-tail, and no windows along most of the fuselage due to the mission system installation.
Specifications
- The Bombardier E-11A has a length of 30.3 m (99 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 28.65 m (94 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 904 km/h (562 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 flight crew plus mission crew.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The USAF selected the Global 6000 (then Global Express) platform for BACN in the mid-2000s to provide a high-altitude, long-endurance manned communications relay. E-11As have operated extensively in Afghanistan and have also served in Europe. One E-11A was lost in a crash in Afghanistan in January 2020.
Variants
The E-11A is the sole military variant designation; it is based on the Bombardier Global 6000 (BD-700) series with extensive mission systems replacing the standard cabin interior.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the United States Air Force's 430th Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron, primarily supporting operations in Afghanistan and serving as an airborne gateway between UHF, VHF, and satellite communications networks.
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