PEGASUS SIGINT Aircraft for Germany Completes First Flight

The PEGASUS aircraft, an airborne platform being built for Germany, has completed its first flight from Bombardier’s facility in Wichita, Kansas.

This project, led by HENSOLDT, integrates the Kalætron Integral SIGINT system for signal surveillance missions for the German Armed Forces. The aircraft's first flight marks its transition to the next phase, moving towards systems integration and certification led by Lufthansa Technik Defense.

Flight testing is conducted by Bombardier's Flight Test Centre (BFTC) team to validate essential program aspects. The flight is a milestone for the first of three modified Global 6000 aircraft designated for the German Bundeswehr. Ongoing testing will gather certification data before advancing to the next stages.

HENSOLDT was awarded the contract in June 2021 to provide an electronic signals intelligence system for three Bombardier Global jets. Since then, HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense, and Bombardier have worked on the design and modifications at Bombardier’s Kansas facility.

After initial testing, the aircraft will move to Lufthansa Technik Defense’s facilities in Hamburg for further integration and certification. Lufthansa Technik has completed design activities for mission systems, military avionics, and cabin interiors, with production underway for installation upon the aircraft’s arrival in Hamburg. HENSOLDT is adapting the systems architecture to meet the Bundeswehr's operational needs, with ongoing hardware and software development.

HENSOLDT oversees the project as general contractor, while Lufthansa Technik Defense is responsible for integrating the reconnaissance system. Several small and medium-sized enterprises from Germany, Canada, and the U.S. are also contributing to the PEGASUS project.