Bombardier Global 5000 ISR

Bombardier Global 5000 ISR

Type: Reconnaissance Aircraft

Domain: air

Country of Origin: Canada

Manufacturer: Bombardier / Raytheon Intelligence & Space

NATO Designation: GL5T / Sentinel R1 / E-11A BACN / ASTOR

First Deployed: 2004

Overview

The Bombardier Global 5000 ISR is a military Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance platform derived from the Bombardier Global 5000 ultra-long-range business jet. The most prominent variant is the Raytheon Sentinel R1 operated by the Royal Air Force as a wide-area battlefield surveillance aircraft, equipped with the ASTOR (Airborne Stand-Off Radar) system combining GMTI radar and SAR imagery. The United States Air Force operates the E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN), which uses a modified Global 5000 as a flying relay to extend communications networks in mountainous terrain. The high-altitude, long-endurance characteristics make it ideal for standoff ISR missions without requiring overflight of contested areas. The RAF retired the Sentinel R1 in 2021 following the Strategic Defence Review, while USAF continues E-11A operations.

Technical Specifications

crew2 pilots + 3-5 mission crew
engines2x Rolls-Royce BR710A2-20
height_m7.8
length_m29.5
range_km9630
ceiling_m15545
speed_kmh956
ceiling_ft51000
wingspan_m28.6
astor_modesGMTI (Ground Moving Target Indicator), SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar)
communicationsMulti-band secure SATCOM, VHF/UHF/HF, Link-16
max_speed_mach0.89
thrust_kn_each66.7
endurance_hours13
astor_radar_range_km200
max_takeoff_weight_kg43091
bacn_relay_altitude_ft40000-45000

Operators

Related air Weapon Systems