PEGASUS: German Armed Forces’ Next-Generation Surveillance Aircraft Completes First Flight

Date 26.10.2024

In a significant milestone for the German Bundeswehr’s surveillance capabilities, HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense, and Bombardier Defense successfully completed the maiden flight of the PEGASUS aircraft. The flight took place at Bombardier’s Wichita Flight Test Center, marking the beginning of a new era in German airborne intelligence.

A Collaborative Milestone for PEGASUS

The PEGASUS program, led by HENSOLDT, is designed to provide the German armed forces with advanced airborne surveillance and signals intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities. At the heart of the system is the Kalætron Integral SIGINT suite, a cutting-edge technology integrated into the Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft platform. This flight represents the first of three such aircraft, taking the program one step closer to full operational capability.

The maiden flight was celebrated at Bombardier’s facility in Wichita, where representatives from HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense, Bombardier Defense, and the German armed forces gathered. The event marked the official start of the flight testing phase, which will be critical in validating the aircraft’s performance and its suitability for its mission profile.

Testing the German Air Force’s Future Capabilities

Under the supervision of Bombardier’s Flight Test Centre (BFTC), the aircraft will undergo a series of tests aimed at refining its capabilities and preparing it for operational use. The Wichita-based team of highly skilled pilots and engineers will validate the aircraft’s systems before it transitions to the next phase of development. This phase includes further integration and aircraft certification led by Lufthansa Technik Defense at their Hamburg facility.

Steve Patrick, Vice President of Bombardier Defense, emphasized the achievement: “Germany’s next-generation signal intelligence aircraft is flying high. This successful first flight is the result of strong collaboration and shared expertise among HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense, Bombardier Defense, and our suppliers. With ongoing flight tests from Wichita, the aircraft continues to gather essential data, bringing us closer to delivering a high-performing platform.”

HENSOLDT’s Kalætron Integral: Intelligence for the Future

HENSOLDT, as the general contractor of the PEGASUS program, plays a crucial role in realizing the vision of a next-generation airborne surveillance platform. Dietmar Thelen, Head of Spectrum Dominance Division at HENSOLDT, expressed his excitement about the achievement: “Today marks an important milestone for the PEGASUS program. With the integration of our Kalætron Integral system, we are delivering key components essential for the ‘reconnaissance of tomorrow’. This accomplishment highlights the excellent cooperation among our partners, and we are proud to contribute to such a significant project for the German Bundeswehr.”

The integration of the Kalætron Integral system demonstrates the immense technological capabilities embedded in the PEGASUS platform, setting a new benchmark for airborne surveillance solutions.

Lufthansa Technik’s Role in Aircraft Integration and Certification

As the lead contractor for the aircraft’s systems integration and certification, Lufthansa Technik Defense plays a pivotal role in transforming the Bombardier Global 6000 into a specialized intelligence-gathering asset. Michael von Puttkamer, Vice President of Special Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik, highlighted the teamwork that led to this milestone: “Seeing the first PEGASUS aircraft take to the skies bearing the Lufthansa Technik Defense logo fills me with pride. It brings us a decisive step closer to welcoming this aircraft back to our Hamburg facility for the next stage of integration and certification.”

Lufthansa Technik Defense is responsible for integrating mission-critical avionics, cabin systems, and additional civil and military technologies. This extensive work will be carried out at their Hamburg facility, where each aircraft will undergo the final stages of system integration and testing before being delivered to the German armed forces.

A Strategic Partnership for German Airborne Intelligence

The PEGASUS program, launched in June 2021, highlights the close cooperation among HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense, and Bombardier. With the German government’s contract to supply electronic intelligence systems aboard three Bombardier Global jets, the companies have engaged in joint design and structural modifications at Bombardier’s Wichita facility.

Upon completing flight tests and initial modifications in Wichita, the aircraft will be transferred to Lufthansa Technik Defense’s Hamburg facility for further work and certification. HENSOLDT has adapted its systems to meet the operational requirements of the Bundeswehr, ensuring the platform is equipped for complex signal surveillance missions.

The PEGASUS program benefits from a diverse supply chain involving numerous small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Germany, Canada, and the United States, demonstrating the program’s international scope and collaborative nature. The combined expertise of HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense, and Bombardier Defense, along with their global partners, ensures that the German armed forces will receive a state-of-the-art airborne surveillance platform tailored to their specific needs.

Towards the Future of German Airborne Surveillance

The successful first flight of the PEGASUS aircraft is more than just a technical achievement; it represents a leap forward in the capabilities of German airborne intelligence. As testing continues, the program edges closer to providing the German armed forces with an unparalleled SIGINT capability.

Edited: Katerina Urbanova
Photo credit: Lufthansa Technik AG

Stay up to date

with the latest news from Aerospace!

Your email address will only ever be used for Newsletters campaings with the legal agreement of your Privacy Policy. You can change your email preferences or unsubscribe in every email if you no longer wish to receive emails from us.


TOP Interviews

General Ingo Gerhartz on NATO Days, The German Air Force at the forefront of technological innovation and operational effectiveness.

General Ingo Gerhartz on NATO Days, The German Air Force at the forefront of technological innovation and operational effectiveness.

Date 13.9.2024

fl_en|fl_cs

Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, the Chief of the German Air Force since 2018, has dedicated his career to advancing Germany’s air defense capabilities. With a background that includes over 3,000 flying hours in various aircraft such as the F-4F, MIG-29, Tornado, and Eurofighter, and significant combat experience, Gerhartz brings a wealth of expertise to his […]

From Mechanic to Maverick: The High-Flying Journey of ‘Noble’ – Germany’s Elite Typhoon Display Pilot

From Mechanic to Maverick: The High-Flying Journey of ‘Noble’ – Germany’s Elite Typhoon Display Pilot

Date 12.9.2024

fl_en|fl_cs

 From the gritty hangars of fighter jets to the heart-pounding heights of international airshows, ‘Noble’ has taken an extraordinary leap – literally. Starting as an aircraft mechanic, he’s now the face of Germany’s Eurofighter Typhoon, soaring through the skies in high-energy displays that captivate audiences worldwide. Here’s his story of perseverance, precision, and power.   […]

The Vision and Impact of Jagello 2000: Creating a Safer World, One Event at a Time

The Vision and Impact of Jagello 2000: Creating a Safer World, One Event at a Time

Date 12.9.2024

fl_en|fl_cs

How does an organization build a legacy of security awareness and international cooperation over two decades? This question lies at the heart of Jagello 2000’s mission. In an exclusive interview with Kateřina Urbanová, Editor-in-Chief at ACE (Aerospace Central Europe), Zbyněk Pavlačík, Chairman of Jagello 2000 and the mastermind behind NATO Days and the Czech Air […]

From rigorous protocols to rapid responses: Job Air Technic’s mastery of aircraft maintenance

From rigorous protocols to rapid responses: Job Air Technic’s mastery of aircraft maintenance

Date 26.8.2024

fl_en|fl_cs

In the heart of Central Europe, where precision engineering meets unwavering dedication, Job Air Technic a.s. stands as a beacon of excellence in aircraft maintenance. Founded in 1993 and part of the Czechoslovak Group since 2016, Job Air Technic has evolved from a modest maintenance hub into one of the region’s largest and most sophisticated […]

Show more

Stay up to date

with the latest news from Aerospace!

Your email address will only ever be used for Newsletters campaings with the legal agreement of your Privacy Policy. You can change your email preferences or unsubscribe in every email if you no longer wish to receive emails from us.

More news

C-390 MILLENNIUM: TECHNOLOGICAL MARVEL AND STRATEGIC ASSET FOR CENTRAL EUROPE

C-390 MILLENNIUM: TECHNOLOGICAL MARVEL AND STRATEGIC ASSET FOR CENTRAL EUROPE

Date 13.9.2024

fl_en|fl_cs

Boasting a maximum payload of 26,000 kg (57,320 lb) and reaching speeds up to Mach 0.8, the C-390 is designed for versatility. Its operational range extends to 2,815 nautical miles (5,210 km), and it can perform aerial refueling at speeds ranging from 120 to 300 KCAS. The C-390 is often referred to as the KC-390 […]

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF GLOBAL DEFENSE: AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ADAM DRNEK

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF GLOBAL DEFENSE: AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ADAM DRNEK

Date 27.8.2024

fl_en|fl_cs

Adam Drnek, the driving force behind the Future Forces Forum & Exhibition and Chairman of the Board of Future Advanced Technologies Institute, is renowned for his humility, sharp insight, integrity, and relentless drive. With a career spanning from assisting defense attachés to steering one of the most influential defense forums globally, Adam shares his hands-on […]

Navigating the Complex Landscape of Aerospace Cybersecurity & New Engine Technologies

Navigating the Complex Landscape of Aerospace Cybersecurity & New Engine Technologies

Date 7.9.2024

fl_en|fl_cs

The aerospace industry is an extremely complex and interconnected sector comprising various components, organizations, and activities related to air transport, aircraft manufacturing, and other support services. Key components of this sector include airlines, aircraft manufacturing, airports, air traffic navigation, and regulators, among others. In the past decade, digital transformation has had a profound impact on […]

TOP ACES LAUNCHES ADVANCED A-4 SKYHAWKS FOR ENHANCED AIR COMBAT TRAINING IN CANADA

TOP ACES LAUNCHES ADVANCED A-4 SKYHAWKS FOR ENHANCED AIR COMBAT TRAINING IN CANADA

Date 26.8.2024

fl_en|fl_cs

Top Aces, a leader in advanced adversary air (ADAIR) and joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) training, has successfully completed its first training mission in Canada using upgraded A-4 Skyhawks. This marks the beginning of a new phase in Top Aces’ Contracted Airborne Training Services (CATS) contract, expanded by the Canadian government in December 2023. Top […]

The Invisible Invasion: Senator Fischer’s Urgent Warning on Chinese Tech Threats

The Invisible Invasion: Senator Fischer’s Urgent Warning on Chinese Tech Threats

Date 4.9.2024

fl_en|fl_cs

In a riveting interview with ACE’s editor-in-chief Kateřina Urbanová, Senator Pavel Fischer sounds the alarm on the critical security threats posed by Chinese technologies infiltrating our daily lives. From espionage capabilities hidden in electric vehicles to smart appliances that could compromise our privacy, Fischer reveals how deeply these risks penetrate our society. He challenges us […]

SAAB RECEIVES ORDER FOR SWEDISH FUTURE FIGHTER CONCEPT STUDIES

SAAB RECEIVES ORDER FOR SWEDISH FUTURE FIGHTER CONCEPT STUDIES

Date 21.8.2024

fl_en|fl_cs

Saab has secured a contract from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for conceptual studies on future fighter systems. The contract, spanning from 2024 to 2025, involves both manned and unmanned solutions, technology development, and demonstrations in a system of systems perspective. Saab will collaborate with FMV, the Swedish Armed Forces, The Swedish Defence Research […]

Show more
Subscribe to our magazineRegister now