The US Army has signed a contract with Bombardier Defense to receive one jet aircraft for its High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program jet plane prototype.
Bombardier’s Global 6500 aircraft will serve as the blueprint for the program’s large-cabin business jet unit, fitted with advanced deep-sensing equipment for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
The contract procures one 6500 unit, with options to purchase two more over a three-year period.
The first aircraft will be delivered by October 1. Around 10 HADES units are expected to be fully implemented in the army’s fleet by 2028.
Newer Intelligence Units
US Army Fixed Wing project manager Colonel Joseph S. Minor said that the HADES program will answer their need for more updated sensing equipment.
“HADES will bring the Army increased range, speed, endurance and aerial ISR depth. HADES will operate at higher altitudes than legacy turboprop platforms. Higher altitudes equate to an ability to sense farther and more persistently into areas of interest, he shared.
He went on to add that deep sensing technologies are the force’s “number-one imperative” for the army of 2030.
Contracts With HADES
Development for the HADES program includes other major military contractors collaborating for the aircraft’s capabilities development.
Canadian tech giant CAE was contracted by Leidos to work on HADES’ full flight simulator for training purposes.
Additionally, L3Harris and Raytheon have teamed up to develop its component designs, as well as its electronic intelligence sensors.
