Mr. Steve Patrick reports

PEGASUS TAKES THE NEXT STEP: FIRST AIRCRAFT LANDS IN GERMANY

Hensoldt, Lufthansa Technik Defense and Bombardier Inc.'s Bombardier Defense have reached another key milestone in the Pegasus (persistent German airborne surveillance system) program: the first aircraft has successfully arrived in Germany. Following its transatlantic flight from Bombardier's facility in Wichita, Kan., the aircraft has landed at Lufthansa Technik's headquarters in Hamburg last week, where the next major phase of the program will now begin.

Led by national electromagnetic warfare champion Hensoldt and employing the extensive special mission aircraft capabilities of Lufthansa Technik, a German MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) specialist, and of Bombardier, a Canadian aircraft manufacturer, the Pegasus program will provide the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) with a state-of-the-art airborne signals intelligence (Sigint) capability. The arrival of the first aircraft marks the transition from platform design and development in the United States to the mission system integration and certification phase in Germany.

"This delivery marks a decisive step towards operational capability," said Jurgen Halder, vice-president, airborne Sigint, at Hensoldt. "With the arrival of the first aircraft in Hamburg, we are entering the crucial phase of system integration and qualification. Together with our partners, we are now moving from design and test into full implementation -- bringing the next generation of airborne intelligence to life."

"Bombardier's high-performing Global aircraft are the go-to choice for the most demanding government missions around the world," said Steve Patrick, vice-president, Bombardier Defense. "We are proud to collaborate with Hensoldt and Lufthansa Technik to help bring this next-generation signals intelligence aircraft to the German Armed Forces."

At Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg, the next steps will include the integration of the Sigint system based on Hensoldt's Kalaetron Integral, the installation of the mission cabin, and the integration of additional military and communication systems. Moreover, the company will handle both civil and military certification of the aircraft. In parallel, preparations for entry-into-service support are already under way -- including training of technical and flight personnel and the creation and provision of technical documentation -- to ensure a smooth transition into operational use.

"Seeing the Pegasus aircraft returning to Hamburg for their important next chapter is a proud moment for our teams," said Michael von Puttkamer, vice-president, special aircraft services, at Lufthansa Technik. "This milestone marks the start of an exciting new phase in which we will bring together technology, craftsmanship and special mission aircraft expertise to deliver one of the most advanced airborne intelligence platforms ever built."

Hensoldt acts as general contractor and holds overall responsibility for the realization of the Pegasus weapon system itself as well as the ground station, training facility and data analysis capabilities. Lufthansa Technik Defense serves as prime subcontractor, procuring and modifying the aircraft and integrating the reconnaissance system developed by Hensoldt. Bombardier Defense provides the high-performance Global 6000 platform and supports the program with its engineering and flight-testing expertise.

About Bombardier Defense

Bombardier Defense offers something unique, combining Bombardier's portfolio of top-performing Challenger and Global aircraft with unparalleled engineering and maintenance expertise to create custom solutions. Known for its collaborative and flexible approach, Bombardier Defense builds long-term partnerships with governments and militaries as well as joins forces with the world's most advanced mission system providers. Driven by a rich history of innovation, Bombardier Defense is shaping the defence solutions of the future.

Bombardier Defense is based in Wichita, Kan., with a manufacturing presence across North America. Leveraging Bombardier's highly responsive, worldwide support network, Bombardier Defense offers expert maintenance services and tailored support options to its government and military customers.

Hundreds of Bombardier aircraft perform critical airborne missions around the world, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), airborne early warning and control (AEW&C), border and maritime patrol, multirole, head-of-state transport, medevac, urgent humanitarian assistance, and more.