Lufthansa Technik Defense and Bombardier Defense have reached another key milestone in the PEGASUS (Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System) program with the arrival of the first aircraft in Germany. Following its transatlantic flight from Wichita, Kansas, the aircraft has landed at Lufthansa Technik’s headquarters in Hamburg, where the next major phase of the program will now begin.
Led by national electromagnetic warfare champion HENSOLDT, and leveraging the extensive special mission aircraft capabilities of Lufthansa Technik, the German MRO specialist, and Bombardier, the 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 Juergen 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.”
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. The company will also handle both civil and military certification of the aircraft.
In parallel, preparations for entry-into-service support are already underway, including the training of technical and flight personnel and the creation and provision of technical documentation, ensuring a smooth transition into operational use.
