An EQ-4B Global Hawk autonomous aircraft on its first flight after being converted to carry the BACN. Credit: © 2018 Northrop Grumman Corporation.

The US Air Force (USAF) has received the Global Hawk autonomous surveillance aircraft carrying the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN).

Developed by Northrop Grumman, BACN is a high-altitude aircraft that translates and distributes voice communications and other battlespace information from a wide number of sources.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

BACN is used to bridge the gaps between the systems in addition to extending communications among different users and networks. This will help provide improved situational awareness to the USAF fleet.

When combined with the Global Hawk autonomous aircraft, BACN provides troops with important information to pursue and defeat the enemy.

“Northrop’s Global Hawk aircraft are capable of operating at altitudes of up to 60,000ft for more than 30 hours, surveying thousands of square miles on a single mission.”

The airborne communications node features an airborne executive processor (AEP) that allows for a persistent gateway in the sky that receives, bridges and distributes communication among all troops on a battlefield.

To date, more than 10,000 combat missions have been carried out by BACN that helped connect troops in the air with ground forces.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Northrop’s Global Hawk aircraft are capable of operating at altitudes of up to 60,000ft for more than 30 hours, surveying thousands of square miles on a single mission.

The unmanned system carries a number of sensor payloads that enable military commanders to collect near real-time imagery and use radar to detect moving or stationary targets on the ground.

In addition, the aircraft provides airborne communications and data sharing capabilities to military units in challenging environments.

In July 2016, the Global Hawk high-altitude, long-endurance intelligence gathering aircraft surpassed 200,000 flight hours.