The E-11 is a modified Bombardier Global 6000/BD-700-1A10 or Global 6500 business jet equipped with specialized communications relay equipment to translate between tactical comm and data links. It provides joint range extension, BLOS C2, and internet protocol-based data transfer between dissimilar systems.
E-11A was fielded to meet an urgent operational need for BLOS air-to-ground relay and enables troops to overcome comm limitations in rugged terrain.
The system entered combat in Afghanistan in 2008, and an E-11 crashed near Kandahar Airfield on Jan. 27, 2020, killing the aircrew.
The combined BACN fleet has provided near-constant coverage in theater, surpassing 100,000 flying hours in 2019. A single aircraft crashed north of Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, on Jan. 27, 2020, killing both aircrew.
The fleet was designated E-11A after USAF purchased the first (previously leased) aircraft in 2011. The Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) payload was initially integrated on a mixed fleet of manned E-11As and unmanned EQ-4B Global Hawks prior to the type’s phase out in 2021 which prompted expansion of the E-11 fleet to nine aircraft.
Northrop Grumman was awarded a five-year support contract in 2021, which also includes funding for research, development and testing, as well as the integration of future payloads. USAF plans to upgrade the E-11 with a High-Capacity Backbone (HCB) to support advanced battle management connectivity. Ongoing upgrades include adding military GPS to operate in high-threat environments, advanced navigation, as well as flight safety, reliability, performance, and self-defensive improvements.
ACC accepted its eighth aircraft in early FY25 and plans to divest the nonstandard prototype airframe in FY25, potentially canceling delivery of the ninth aircraft later this year. ACC and the Georgia ANG plan to reach full operational capability at Robins by 2027. The E-11A notably aided in facilitating humanitarian airdrop missions into Gaza in early 2024.
E-11A BACN Technical Data
Contractors: Bombardier, Northrop Grumman (integration and support).
First Flight: August 2007.
Delivered: Dec. 2008-Aug. 30, 2012.
IOC: Circa 2011.
Production: Four (nine planned).
Inventory: Three.
Operator: ACC.
Aircraft Location: Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.
Active Variants: •E-11A. Modified Bombardier BD-700 equipped with the BACN payload.
Dimensions: Span 94 ft, length 99 ft 5 in, height 25 ft 6 in.
Weight: Max T-O 99,500 lb.
Power Plant: Two Rolls-Royce BR710A2-20 turbofans, each 14,750 lb thrust.
Performance: Speed Mach 0.88, range 6,900 miles.
Ceiling: 51,000 ft.
Accommodation: Two pilots.
