Bombardier Aerospace announced today that its Global Express XRS (BD-700-1A10) aircraft was granted the new military designation E-11A from the United States Air Force.

“This is an important milestone for Bombardier’s Specialized and Amphibious aircraft unit”, said Derek Gilmour, Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Administration, Specialized and Amphibious Aircraft, Bombardier Aerospace. “The United States Air Force now owns one Global Express XRS (BD-700-1A10) aircraft, bringing to three their total number of Global Express XRS aircraft in operation. We are proud that Bombardier’s aircraft are serving the United States Air Force,” he continued.

The Global Express XRS (BD-700-1A10) aircraft will be used as an overhead communications-relay platform in Southwest Asia. The aircraft carries Northrop Grumman’s^© Battlefield Airborne Communications Node^©, or BACN, which allows disparate battlefield communications systems to share data.

Bombardier Aerospace will showcase its array of products, including the Global Express XRS aircraft, at the annual Air & Space Conference & Technology Exposition from September 19 to 21, 2011. “This show is very significant for us, and it provides a perfect opportunity to share our future plans with the Air Force,” added Mr. Gilmour.

The Global Express XRS aircraft is designed and certified to operate at altitudes up to 51,000 feet (15,545 m). It flies faster, farther, accesses shorter airfields, and climbs quicker than any other business jet in its class*. It offers an expansive cabin for equipment and mission personnel, unmatched power generation capacity, and higher ground clearance to support sensor installations. The Global aircraft platform provides excellent loiter time capabilities at low speeds and high altitudes. In addition, its damage tolerant airframe provides superior structural integrity.

Bombardier press release