Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has received the second Bombardier Global 6500 business jet for conversion into the US Army’s High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) aircraft.
HADES is being developed to give the force long-range platforms with a higher speed and service ceiling than existing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft.
The plane was delivered to SNC’s Maryland facility, where it will be outfitted with corresponding systems.
The HADES Program
The HADES fleet is expected to enhance tracking of advanced threats and allow rapid deployment worldwide on short notice, supporting broader US efforts to maintain global situational awareness.
The company was named lead systems integrator for the 12-year program in August 2024. Under the framework, it will modify several Bombardier Global 6500s with open-architecture systems, artificial intelligence, and modular designs to improve data processing and allow rapid mission adjustments.
The US Army originally planned for up to 12 aircraft, though the number may be reduced to six under its ongoing efficiency and lethality initiative.
Bombardier delivered the first Global 6500 to the military in November 2024, with the aircraft expected to become operational under the effort by late 2026 or early 2027.
Bombardier Global 6500 Specifications
The Global 6500 has a range of over 12,000 kilometers (7,456 miles) and can carry up to 17 passengers.
It is powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl engines for a top speed of Mach 0.9 and an operational altitude of more than 15,500 meters (50,853 feet).
The jet measures 30 meters (98 feet) in length and has a wingspan of 29 meters (95 feet). Its basic operating weight is approximately 23,600 kilograms (52,029 pounds) with a maximum payload of about 2,600 kilograms (5,732 pounds).
The Global 6500 features the Bombardier Vision flight deck with four large displays, a combined vision system, head-up display, graphical flight planning, airport moving map, and weather radar.
It is compatible with a GPS-dependent signal broadcast, satellite communications, and performance-based navigation standards.
