The E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN), nicknamed “Wi-Fi in the sky”, is a high-altitude airborne communications platform to support joint coalitions for the United States Air Force (USAF).
Developed as a highly-modified Bombardier Global 6000/BD700 business jet, the E-11A translates imagery, voice, and tactical data between forces across air, land, sea, and space. The special mission aircraft benefits from its 6,000-mile range and extraordinary performance capabilities, enhancing situational awareness in contested environments.
Developed by Northrop Grumman, the BACN payload comprises advanced equipment to streamline line-of-sight communications, translate information for incompatible systems, and share real-time imagery of the battleground for diverse combat forces. The system bridges the gap between disparate systems, sensors, and platforms to precisely deliver relevant information.
The US manufacturer accelerated the integration of BACN onto modern aircraft in response to the Joint Urgent Operational Need (JUON) of the US Air and Space forces. In September 2025, Bombardier Defence delivered a ninth Bombardier Global aircraft for BACN operations to the USAF.
| USAF E-11A BACN | |
|---|---|
| Design | Bombardier and Northrop Grumman |
| Inventory | Nine |
| Length | 99 ft 5 in (30.3 m) |
| Height | 25 ft 6 in (7.8 m) |
| Wingspan | 94 ft (28.6 m) |
| Power Plant | Rolls-Royce BR710A2-20 turbofans |
| Thrust | 14,720 lbf each |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 0.88 |
| Operating Range | 6,500 miles |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft (15,545 m) |
First deployed with the USAF in 2008, the BACN platform will take over one of the missions set to replace the ageing E-8C Joint STARS. The E-11A fleet is operated by the 18th Airborne Command and Control Squadron based at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, Atlanta.
The E-11A fleet is busy connecting the Joint Force
The USAF BACN platform has an outstanding mission availability rate of over 98% across more than 15,000 missions. The system features an open architecture design that can easily integrate advanced technologies across multiple domains and military coalitions. Northrop Grumman continues to introduce new capabilities to the system, heightening data safety and accuracy.
Whether it is long distances or mountainous terrains limiting the line of sight, the BACN platform onboard the E-11A enhances communication reliability. Northrop Grumman states that the BACN Gateway is capable of enhancing “essential situational awareness ranging from small ground units in contact with enemy forces to the highest command levels to deliver the right information to the right user at the right time.”
Bridging the gap between simulation and the real world
The US Department of Defence aims to develop real-world battlefield equipment that is as accurate as the simulations.
With advanced technologies at hand, warfighting communication channels precisely mirror what is possible in the virtual world. The BACN platform is offering a more connected and safe digital environment for disparate systems. The real-time translator platform allows the sharing of information across land, air, and sea assets.
During early operations in Afghanistan, mountainous terrain exposed a critical connectivity gap with forces on the ground. Within a year, BACN was delivering secure, resilient communications to help provide crucial information for our troops.
— Northrop Grumman (@northropgrumman) August 15, 2025
Uncover the impact of BACN on… pic.twitter.com/eWZNacMqY7
The use of incompatible and disparate communication channels is common across various coalitions of the US military. The BACN platform acts as a translating medium, streamlining communications in real time.
With an E-11A flying in the vicinity of a combat zone, fighter jets can effectively communicate with ground forces despite physical obstacles. Moreover, it allows individual war-fighting databases to talk to each other, enabling superior combat capability for the USAF.
In an effort to bridge the gap between simulations and real-world communications, USAF personnel go through intense, high-fidelity simulation training. It allows them to effectively adapt to real-world deployment. Irrespective of the battlefield, the E-11A equipped with the BACN platform enables communication across land, air, sea, and space forces.
Featured Image: Northrop Grumman
