Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Bombardier manufactures a variety of business aircraft models, provides engineering, and aircraft maintenance services.

Bombardier Global Express, XRS, 5000, 5500, 6000, and 6500

Charles Alcock

Bombardier is flight testing the first of three Global 6000s being configured for signals intelligence roles with the German army. At an event in Wichita on Wednesday with program partners Hensoldt and Lufthansa Technik, the manufacturer confirmed the first aircraft has been flying since mid-September as it is prepared for delivery next year to Hamburg, where it will be fitted with Hensoldt’s Kalaetron Integral Sigint system.
The Global aircraft is the chosen platform for the Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System (Pegasus) program. Systems integrator Lufthansa Technik Defense is expected to conduct flight trials with all the installed equipment in Germany in 2025 or 2026.
According to Bombardier Defense v-p Steve Patrick, the first Global 6000 will continue to be evaluated at the Canadian airframer’s Wichita Flight Test Center. Two more aircraft are being built and will begin missions testing once they are delivered to the German Army.
“This successful first flight is the result of strong collaboration and shared knowledge between Hensoldt, Lufthansa Technik Defense, Bombardier Defense, and our suppliers to get the modified, high-performing Global 6000 for the Pegasus program in the air,” Patrick said. “With flight testing regularly underway from Bombardier’s Wichita base, the aircraft continues to gather essential certification data to improve and perfect the platform before it moves to the next stage.”

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Global 6000 Starts Flight Tests for German Army Surveillance Role

Flight testing on the first of three Bombardier jets is being conducted in Wichita

Bombardier Defense is partnered with Lufthansa Technik and Hensoldt to develop a signals intelligence platform for the German army based on the Global 6000 jet.

Global Starts Flight Tests for German Army Surveillance Role

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In this article

Global 5000 and 6000 Series

Lufthansa Technik

Hensoldt

Bombardier

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