Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Bombardier manufactures a variety of business aircraft models, provides engineering, and aircraft maintenance services.

Bombardier Global Express, XRS, 5000, 5500, 6000, and 6500

Matt Thurber

Bombardier Defense is celebrating the delivery of the first Global 6500 to the U.S. Army for the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) aerial military intelligence program. The delivery ceremony took place earlier today in Wichita and featured Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Kansas state officials, and U.S. Army leaders. This aircraft is the first prototype airframe for the HADES program and is “the beginning of the next stage of the program to integrate systems,” according to Bombardier.
Offering a maximum endurance of up to 18 hours, the twinjet will be used for aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions such as deep sensing. Advantages of the business jet adapted to military IRS use include reliability, operational reach, and expanded operating areas. The Global 6500’s maintenance intervals are up to 750 hours and it has a dispatch reliability of 99.83%.&nbsp;
“The partnership between Bombardier, the U.S. Army, and the Wichita workforce has produced a next-generation aircraft equipped to meet the demands of warfare in a new era of technology,” said Moran. “The HADES aircraft has the tools needed to deter threats, conduct surveillance, and help keep our country safe. This is the start of a new chapter in the aviation capabilities of our military and continues Kansas’ legacy of defense manufacturing.”

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

First Bombardier Global 6500 Delivered for U.S. Army HADES Program

Endurance up to 18 hours makes the Bombardier jet an ideal ISR platform

Advantages of the business jet adapted to military IRS use include reliability, operational reach, and expanded operating areas.

First Global 6500 Delivered for U.S. Army HADES Program

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

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Charles Alcock

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News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

In this article

Global 5000 and 6000 Series

Bombardier

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