HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense, and Bombardier Defense announced the successful first flight of the PEGASUS aircraft, modified for the German armed forces’ Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System (PEGASUS) program. The flight took place at Bombardier’s Wichita Flight Test Centre, marking a significant milestone for the project.
This aircraft, the first of three to integrate HENSOLDT’s “Kalætron Integral” signals intelligence (SIGINT) system, is a crucial step toward fulfilling the surveillance needs of the German military. Following this initial flight, the aircraft will remain in Wichita for further testing before undergoing systems integration and certification by Lufthansa Technik Defense in Hamburg, Germany.
An official celebration was held in Wichita, attended by representatives from HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense, Bombardier Defense, and the German Armed Forces, marking the commencement of the flight-testing phase for this next-generation program.
“Germany’s next generation signal intelligence aircraft is flying high,” said Steve Patrick, Vice President, Bombardier Defense. “This successful first flight is the result of the 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. With flight testing regularly underway from Bombardier’s Wichita base, the aircraft continues to gather essential certification data to improve and perfect the platform before it moves to the next stage.”
Dietmar Thelen, Head of Spectrum Dominance Division at HENSOLDT, added, “Today marks an important milestone for the PEGASUS programme. With the integration of our Kalætron-Integral system, we are delivering key components essential for the ‘reconnaissance of tomorrow.’ This achievement underscores the excellent cooperation between HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense, and Bombardier Defense.”
Michael von Puttkamer, Vice President of Special Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik, expressed pride in the milestone: “Seeing the first PEGASUS aircraft take to the skies bearing the Lufthansa Technik Defense logo fills me with joy, as it brings us one step closer to welcoming this aircraft back at our site. I congratulate the Bombardier Defense team for their outstanding performance in reaching this important project milestone.”
HENSOLDT was awarded the contract in June 2021 to supply an airborne system for electronic signals intelligence aboard three Bombardier Global jets, based on its Kalætron Integral system. Since then, HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense, and Bombardier have worked closely on design and modification activities at Bombardier’s Wichita facility.
Once initial testing is complete, each aircraft will be transferred to Lufthansa Technik Defense in Hamburg for further integration and certification. The company has already started production of interior parts and completed design activities for the integration of the mission system and avionics.
HENSOLDT serves as the general contractor, overseeing the project’s realization, while Lufthansa Technik Defense acts as a subcontractor, integrating the reconnaissance system into the modified aircraft. The project also involves various small and medium-sized enterprises from Germany, Canada, and the U.S. as part of the supply chain, all contributing to the successful completion of the PEGASUS program.
