Global 6500 for US Army

Under the project name Athena-R, the United States Army has awarded a contract to MAG Aerospace (and its partner L3Harris) to deliver two Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft, modified for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

This is a big step in the replacement of the existing fleet of MC-12 and RC-12 turboprop aircraft by a modern and more capable platform. The Global 6500 aircraft will provide the US Army with a Theater-level, High-Altitude and Long-Range Expeditionary ISR platform.

Three programmes are currently running to modernise the US Army ISR fleet:

ARTEMIS - Airborne Reconnaissance Targeting Exploitation Mission Intelligence System
ARES - Airborne Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare System
ATHENA - Army Theatre Level, High-Altitude Expeditionary Next Airborne

Under the ATHENA programme, there are two variants: Signals and Radar-capable. MAG Aerospace leads the radar programme (ATHENA-R), while Leidos leads the signals programme (ATHENA-S). For both L3Harris is a teaming partner.

The aircraft on order will be equipped with a synthetic aperture radar, capable of tracking moving targets on the ground. With an endurance of 18 hours and sufficient cabin space for multiple sensor and system operators, the Global 6500 will provide a giant leap forward compared to the C-12 aircraft currently in use.

For the ATHENA-S programme, the Global 6500 is also selected as the mission platform. The aircraft will be suited with electronics detection and identification equipment. As such it will be capable to identify assets like air-defence radar and communication hubs.

On 6 August 2023, Global 6500 N291SR (c/n 60107) was entered into the FAA register listing L3 Harris Technologies Inc as owner. This will be the first aircraft of this order.

Credit photo: L3 Harris Technologies