Bombardier's first Pegasus plane arrives in Germany

Executive Summary

• Bombardier Defense, Hensoldt, and Lufthansa Technik Defense have achieved a key milestone in the Pegasus program with the successful arrival of the first aircraft in Germany.
• The aircraft, a Global 6000, landed at Lufthansa Technik’s headquarters in Hamburg, marking the transition from US-based platform design to German-based mission system integration and certification.
• The Pegasus program aims to provide the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) with a state-of-the-art airborne signals intelligence (Sigint) capability.

Key Details

• Milestone: First aircraft successfully transatlantic flight from Bombardier’s facility in Wichita, Kan., to Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg.
• Program Goal: Provide the Bundeswehr with persistent airborne surveillance and signals intelligence (Sigint) capabilities.
• Current Phase: Transition from platform design/development (US) to mission system integration, certification, and qualification (Germany).
• Next Steps in Hamburg:
  • Integration of the Sigint system based on Hensoldt’s Kalaetron Integral.
  • Installation of the mission cabin.
  • Integration of additional military and communication systems.
  • Handling of both civil and military certification of the aircraft.
  • Preparation for entry-into-service support, including training for technical and flight personnel and creation of technical documentation.
• Roles:
  • Hensoldt: General contractor; responsible for the Pegasus weapon system, ground station, training facility, and data analysis capabilities.
  • Lufthansa Technik Defense: Prime subcontractor; procures/modifies aircraft and integrates the reconnaissance system.
  • Bombardier Defense: Provides the Global 6000 platform and supports with engineering and flight-testing expertise.

Notable Quotes

• "This delivery marks a decisive step towards operational capability... Together with our partners, we are now moving from design and test into full implementation -- bringing the next generation of airborne intelligence to life." — Jurgen Halder, Vice-President, Airborne Sigint, Hensoldt
• "Bombardier's high-performing Global aircraft are the go-to choice for the most demanding government missions around the world... We are proud to collaborate with Hensoldt and Lufthansa Technik to help bring this next-generation signals intelligence aircraft to the German Armed Forces." — Steve Patrick, Vice-President, Bombardier Defense
• "This milestone marks the start of an exciting new phase in which we will bring together technology, craftsmanship and special mission aircraft expertise to deliver one of the most advanced airborne intelligence platforms ever built." — Michael von Puttkamer, Vice-President, Special Aircraft Services, Lufthansa Technik