Canada Considers Bombardier Private Jet as Next Multi-Mission Military Aircraft
The Bombardier Global 6500 private jet could form the backbone of Canada’s new Multi-Mission and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) aircraft.
Bombardier Defense and General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada are proposing that the two companies are best placed to deliver the government’s Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) program.
By joining forces, the two aeronautical firms hope to leverage their “extensive networks to prepare for success in a competitive, open, and transparent procurement process”.
According to Bombardier the foundation for the CMMA solution is its Global 6500 aircraft.
“The highly efficient and agile Global 6500 aircraft, the right-sized jet for the CMMA with next-generation engines, long range, high endurance, and coupled with proven reliability and better fuel efficiency […]” Bombardier said. “The Global family of aircraft is the platform of choice for over 10 different mission types across the globe, given its ability to deploy in all weather conditions with full mission payload, its ultimate combination of speed, range and endurance, and its 24/7 worldwide support infrastructure.”
The aircraft will host General Dynamics’ best-in-class integrated mission systems, drawing directly from Canada’s investment in the newly modernized CP140 Block IV and CH-148 Cyclone.
“This operationally-proven Canadian design forms the basis for the iterative and low risk integration of modernized sensors and systems enabling Canada to leap even further ahead of peers and adversaries alike,” the partners said.
Together Bombardier Defense and General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada will form the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft Team.
“Canadians deserve a leading-edge fleet for their Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft program. Bombardier is eager to take on this opportunity to deliver a state-of-the-art platform. This is a generational opportunity for a Canadian company to leverage its Made-In-Canada Global 6500 aircraft, renowned for their outstanding performance and customized mission enhancers for each client,” Jean-Christophe Gallagher, executive vice-resident of Aircraft Sales and Bombardier Defense said.
He added: “Having Bombardier work on CMMA is the right choice from an aircraft performance standpoint, and also, an opportunity for Canada to foster innovation, bolster its capabilities and support talent across Canada’s aerospace industry from coast to coast to coast.”
By bringing together Canada’s largest business jet manufacturer and one of Canada’s largest defense contractor the team believe it can bring “considerable benefits to the Pan-Canadian aerospace ecosystem”.
“For decades, General Dynamics has been proud to provide solutions to Canada’s defense requirements. This new partnership unlocks a generational opportunity to couple our leading edge, trusted mission systems to ultimately provide a made-in-Canada solution that supports Canada’s multi-mission airborne needs into the future, while creating a readily exportable capability that will benefit Canada in so many other ways,” Joel Houde, vice president and general manager at General Dynamics Mission Systems–International said.