A US Army artist's conception of HADES. (US Army)
The US Army has selected Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) to supply the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) aerial reconnaissance system, according to a 22 August release. HADES is intended to bolster the army's sensing capabilities to detect targets far behind enemy lines.
The contract immediately awards USD93.5 million, with a future ceiling of up to USD991.3 million.
SNC expects to receive the first of 14 government-furnished Bombardier Global 6500s for modifications in October or November. The company plans to deliver the first HADES aircraft by January 2026.
“We'll be doing the normal kick-off System Requirements Review with the army, making sure our design fits what the army requirements are,” Josh Walsh, SNC's vice-president of mission solutions and operations told Janes on 23 August. All design and installation work will take place at the company's Hagerstown, Maryland, modification facility.
HADES is intended to replace the Beechcraft RC-12X Guardrail fleet, a turboprop-powered aircraft based on the Beech King Air. The army today operates 19 RC-12Xs, according to the Janes: World Armies database.
The HADES programme entails placing sensors and processors aboard modified, government-furnished Bombardier Global 6500 business jets, which can fly far higher and faster than the RC-12; the Guardrail has a 10,668 m (35,000 ft) maximum altitude ceiling, while the Global 6500 can reach 15,545 m (51,000 ft), according to Textron and Bombardier. Higher altitudes mean that sensors can detect signals from farther away, while the Bombardier's higher cruising speed and greater range mean more basing flexibility and shorter deployment times.
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