Germany's PEGASUS Airborne Surveillance System Passes Critical Design Review

Hensoldt, the prime contractor for the Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System (PEGASUS) based on the Global 6000 business jet, has announced the successful completion of its Critical Design Review (CDR).

The Bundeswehr representatives conducted the CDR two years after Hensoldt was contracted for the project, utilizing the Kalaetron signals intelligence (SIGINT) system.

Lufthansa Technik, the program partner, acquired the green airframe from Bombardier in Kansas, USA. The mission system integration is set to take place in Hamburg, Germany.

During the CDR, representatives from the Bundeswehr examined the SIGINT components of the PEGASUS weapon system. Detailed presentations were provided on the implementation planning for the extensive requirements, accompanied by software and hardware demonstrations showcasing the overall project progress.

Germany has opted for three Global 6000-based PEGASUS systems, abandoning previous plans to host the SIGINT capability on the Northrop Grumman Global Hawk-derived RQ-4C Triton HALE UAV and the Global Hawk-derived RQ-4E Euro Hawk.

The Luftwaffe plans to deploy PEGASUS for NATO's SIGINT capability starting in 2025.

Hensoldt was awarded the contract two years ago to supply the SIGINT system on Bombardier business jets. The order, valued at over one billion euros, designates Hensoldt as the general contractor responsible for the project's realization. Lufthansa Technik, based in Hamburg, acts as a subcontractor, handling aircraft procurement, modification, and the integration of the reconnaissance system into the aircraft. Almost 30 companies, including numerous SMEs from across Germany, are involved in the project as suppliers and partners.