Bombardier’s depiction of the HADES prototype aircraft. (Bombardier)

The US Army has purchased a Bombardier Global 6500, with options for two more, to serve as a prototype for the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) deep-sensing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) system, the service announced on 3 January.

The Global 6500 is to be the army’s first service-owned ISR-converted business jet. Although other converted business jets operate on the army’s behalf, and more are set to enter service via the Army Theater Level High-Altitude Expeditionary Next Airborne ISR – Radar (ATHENA-R) and ATHENA-Signals (ATHENA-S) programmes, these are contractor-owned, contractor-operated aircraft considered interims for the HADES programme. ATHENA-R was awarded in August 2023 to a MAG Aerospace and L3Harris team, while ATHENA-S went to Sierra Nevada Corporation in October; both ATHENA contractors use modified Bombardier Global 6500 as their platforms.

The HADES prototype is scheduled for delivery to the army in October 2024.