The PEGASUS aircraft, a modified Bombardier Global aircraft, has successfully completed its first test flight, marking a significant milestone for the Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System (PEGASUS) program. This modified business jet will play a crucial role in bolstering the German armed forces’ reconnaissance capabilities.
Photo: Bombardier
The PEGASUS program is the result of a collaborative effort between three key players: HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense, and Bombardier Defense. HENSOLDT, serving as the general contractor, is responsible for the integration of the “Kalætron Integral” signals intelligence (SIGINT) system. Lufthansa Technik Defense will handle the systems integration and aircraft certification, while Bombardier Defense supplies and modifies the Global 6000 aircraft.
The maiden flight took place at Bombardier’s Wichita Flight Test Center, where the aircraft will remain for further flight testing. Bombardier’s highly skilled pilots are conducting rigorous tests to validate key aspects of the program, ensuring its readiness for deployment in critical missions. These tests are crucial for gathering essential certification data and refining the platform’s performance.
Following the initial testing phase in Wichita, the aircraft will be transferred to Lufthansa Technik Defense’s facilities in Hamburg, Germany. Lufthansa Technik Defense will then carry out further integration work and oversee the regulatory certification of PEGASUS. Meanwhile, HENSOLDT is diligently adapting the systems architecture to meet the specific operational requirements of the German Bundeswehr.
The PEGASUS aircraft represents the next generation of signal intelligence aircraft for Germany. Equipped with the advanced “Kalætron Integral” SIGINT system, it will significantly enhance the German armed forces’ ability to conduct critical surveillance missions. This system will provide invaluable intelligence gathering capabilities, strengthening Germany’s position in the realm of airborne reconnaissance.
“Germany’s next generation signal intelligence aircraft is flying high,” said Steve Patrick, Vice President, Bombardier Defense. “This successful first flight is the result of the strong collaboration and shared knowledge between HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense, Bombardier Defense and our suppliers to get the modified, high-performing Global 6000 aircraft for the Pegasus program in the air.” “Today marks an important milestone for the PEGASUS programme,” said Dietmar Thelen, Head of Spectrum Dominance Division at HENSOLDT. “With the integration of our Kalætron-Integral system, we are delivering key components that are essential for the ‘reconnaissance of tomorrow’. This achievement underscores the excellent cooperation between HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense and Bombardier Defense.” “Seeing the first PEGASUS aircraft taking to the skies bearing the Lufthansa Technik Defense logo fills me with pride and also joyful anticipation, as it brings us one decisive step closer to welcoming this aircraft back at our site,” says Michael von Puttkamer, Vice President Special Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik. He added, “I’d like to congratulate and thank the outstanding Bombardier Defense team for their great performance in reaching this important project milestone, and I look forward to the upcoming flight test activities as well as the ongoing cooperation with HENSOLDT in the subsequent integration and certification of their highly sophisticated signals intelligence system.”
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