Bombardier Defense and Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) have entered into a 10-year service agreement covering two Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft operated by SNC for a U.S. military customer. The aircraft are equipped with SNC’s RAPCON-X technology, designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
The long-term agreement provides SNC access to Bombardier’s Smart Services Defense program, a cost-per-flight-hour solution intended to offer predictable operating expenses for high-utilization aircraft. The package includes spare parts, logistics, shipping, technical publications, around-the-clock technical support and access to Bombardier’s 24/7 Customer Response Centre.Guillaume Landrivon, Vice President of Support & Services at Bombardier Defense, said the program offers stability for operators engaged in demanding government missions:
“Our tailored service packages allow for predictable and transparent operating costs. This is especially useful for aircraft flying high-utilization missions for government customers.”
Josh Walsh, Vice President of Programs at SNC, highlighted the continued collaboration between the two companies:
“With the signing of this agreement, we are committed to providing the predictability, transparency and reliability our customers depend on to remain prepared at all times. This agreement not only allows us to mitigate risk but also adds significant value for our customers and the U.S. taxpayer.”
SNC’s RAPCON-X system, developed using model-based systems engineering (MBSE), enables rapid reconfiguration for specific mission needs. According to Tim Harper, SNC Vice President of Business Development,
“RAPCON-X is a rapidly configurable aircraft solution that we can swiftly adapt to specific missions by switching out on-board equipment to match tactical needs. Its baseline configuration allows the aircraft to collect and process SIGINT, EO reconnaissance and ground moving-target signatures.”
The company’s scalable design approach allows RAPCON-X capabilities to be integrated into other Bombardier platforms, such as the Challenger 650.
Bombardier’s Smart Services Defense program consolidates maintenance and support elements under a single framework, shielding operators from unexpected costs while ensuring access to OEM-level expertise. The Global 6500 aircraft, selected for numerous specialized government and military missions, offers endurance exceeding 18 hours, flexible configuration options and maintenance intervals suited for sustained operations.