The E-11A is a modified Bombardier Global Express 6000/BD-700-1A10 business jet equipped with specialized communications relay equipment to translate between tactical comm and data links. It provides joint range extension, BLOS C2, and Internet protocol-based data transfer between dissimilar systems. E-11A was fielded to meet an urgent operational need for BLOS relay between ground troops and other airborne platforms. The system entered combat in Afghanistan in 2008 and enables troops to... read more
The E-11A is a modified Bombardier Global Express 6000/BD-700-1A10 business jet equipped with specialized communications relay equipment to translate between tactical comm and data links. It provides joint range extension, BLOS C2, and Internet protocol-based data transfer between dissimilar systems. E-11A was fielded to meet an urgent operational need for BLOS relay between ground troops and other airborne platforms. The system entered combat in Afghanistan in 2008 and enables troops to overcome the limitations of LOS comms in rugged terrain. The fleet was designated E-11A after USAF purchased the first previously leased aircraft in 2011. The Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) payload is integrated on a mixed fleet of manned E-11As and unmanned EQ-4B Global Hawks. The combined BACN fleet has provided near constant coverage in theater. Development includes Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW) to thwart adversary jamming in A2/AD environments. FY19 transitions E-11A from contingency funding to a long-term program of record. The current support contract awarded in January 2018 funded continued ops through January 2019. USAF is also seeking to acquire a fifth airframe for conversion to E-11A standards. show less
