By admin 
HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense, and Bombardier Defense have successfully achieved a key milestone in the PEGASUS program with the first flight of the modified Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft. The flight, conducted at Bombardier’s Wichita Flight Test Center, marks the beginning of a new chapter in the German armed forces’ Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System (PEGASUS) initiative.
The Heart of PEGASUS: Advanced Surveillance Capabilities
The PEGASUS program integrates HENSOLDT’s state-of-the-art Kalætron Integral SIGINT system into the Bombardier Global 6000 platform. This first of three aircraft is designed to carry out critical airborne surveillance missions for the Bundeswehr. The aircraft will remain at Wichita for a series of flight tests conducted by Bombardier’s experienced team before transitioning to Lufthansa Technik Defense’s facility in Hamburg, Germany, for systems integration and certification.
Industry Leaders Join Forces
A celebratory event was held at Bombardier’s Wichita facility, gathering representatives from HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense, Bombardier Defense, and the German Armed Forces. The event highlighted the international collaboration that drives the PEGASUS project, a symbol of the shared expertise and innovation from Germany, Canada, and the United States.
Steve Patrick, Vice President of Bombardier Defense, stated: “Germany’s next-generation signal intelligence aircraft is flying high. This successful first flight is the result of strong collaboration and shared knowledge between HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense, Bombardier Defense, and our suppliers to get the modified, high-performing Global 6000 aircraft for the PEGASUS program in the air.”
What’s Next for PEGASUS?
Following the flight tests, the aircraft will be transferred to Hamburg for the integration of advanced mission systems. Lufthansa Technik Defense will lead this phase, overseeing the installation and certification of HENSOLDT’s SIGINT technology alongside other critical avionics systems.
Since winning the contract in 2021, HENSOLDT has adapted its Kalætron Integral system to meet the specific operational needs of the German armed forces. The PEGASUS program involves a network of small and medium-sized enterprises from Germany, Canada, and the U.S., underscoring the global scope and significance of this project.
The successful first flight of PEGASUS not only represents a technical achievement but also sets the stage for the future of German airborne intelligence capabilities, reinforcing Germany’s strategic position in defense technology.
Edited: Katerina Urbanova
Photo Credit: Lufthansa Technik AG