The U.S. Army has formally designated its forthcoming High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) intelligence-gathering aircraft as the ME-11B. This designation marks a significant milestone in the Army’s efforts to modernize its aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
Built on the Bombardier Global 6500 business jet, the ME-11B will feature an extensive suite of sensors, including the Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System-2B (ASARS-2B), and may also possess the ability to launch drones.
The Army’s journey toward the ME-11B began with awarding Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) a nearly $1 billion contract in August 2023 to modify Global 6500 jets into the HADES configuration. This contract also covered additional support and services essential for the aircraft’s operational success. However, progress was delayed when L3Harris, in partnership with Leidos and MAG Aerospace, filed a protest against the contract’s award. This legal challenge temporarily suspended work until January 2024, when the protest was ultimately dismissed.
Despite these delays, the project has moved forward steadily. Bombardier delivered the first Global 6500 for conversion in November 2024, setting the stage for the extensive modifications required to transform the aircraft into a cutting-edge ISR platform.
The ME-11B follows a long tradition of U.S. military aircraft naming conventions. The “M” in the designation signifies “multi-mission,” reflecting the aircraft’s broad ISR capabilities. This naming approach aligns with previous ISR platforms such as the Army’s MC-12S Enhanced Medium Altitude Reconnaissance and Surveillance System (EMARSS) and the Air Force’s MC-12W Liberty, both based on the Beechcraft King Air series.
Notably, the ME-11B designation indicates that the Army’s aircraft will share its lineage with the U.S. Air Force’s E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) aircraft, another militarized version of the Bombardier Global 6500. The E-11A plays a critical role in enabling seamless communications across different military branches and assets
The primary mission of the ME-11B is to provide advanced ISR capabilities by leveraging state-of-the-art sensor technology. The ASARS-2B radar, originally developed as an upgrade for the U-2 spy plane, will be one of the aircraft’s main intelligence-gathering tools. ASARS-2B provides high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery, allowing the Army to create detailed ground maps. Additionally, its ground moving target indicator (GMTI) function enables real-time tracking of vehicles, even in adverse conditions such as heavy cloud cover, smoke, or nighttime operations.
By overlaying GMTI data on SAR images, the ME-11B will enhance battlefield awareness, enabling military planners to map patterns of life, identify potential threats, and refine intelligence-gathering operations. This technological capability represents a significant leap forward from the turboprop-based ISR aircraft the Army currently relies upon.
While the primary function of the ME-11B is ISR, its multi-mission designation suggests the potential for additional roles, either at launch or through future upgrades. One area of interest is the integration of “launched effects,” a term used by the Army to describe deployable uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) that can conduct ISR, electronic warfare, act as decoys, or even serve as loitering munitions.
The ability to launch and control drones mid-flight would significantly extend the ME-11B’s reach into heavily contested areas while reducing risk to the aircraft and crew. Given the increasing threat posed by advanced enemy air defenses—such as China’s long-range surface-to-air missile systems—this capability would be crucial in any high-intensity conflict scenario.
Additionally, underwing pylons could allow the ME-11B to carry defensive countermeasures or other specialized equipment. Andrew Evans, ISR Task Force Director within the Army’s Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence (G-2), emphasized the importance of defensive capabilities, stating, “Protecting something like this becomes very important.”
The ME-11B represents just one component of the Army’s broader Multi-Domain Sensing System (MDSS). This system-of-systems approach aims to integrate multiple ISR layers, including high-altitude platforms such as stratospheric balloons and solar-powered fixed-wing aircraft. The MDSS will complement space-based reconnaissance assets, providing persistent surveillance and deep sensing capabilities in contested environments.
The Army’s push to develop high-altitude ISR solutions aligns with broader U.S. military trends. The Pentagon is investing heavily in next-generation reconnaissance capabilities, including extreme-endurance drones and resilient satellite constellations. These efforts reflect a growing recognition that traditional airborne ISR platforms alone may not be sufficient to meet future operational challenges.
By choosing the Bombardier Global 6500 as the foundation for the ME-11B, the Army has prioritized endurance, speed, and operational flexibility. The jet-powered platform offers several advantages over older turboprop-based ISR aircraft:
- Higher Altitude: The ME-11B will operate at higher altitudes, enhancing its sensor range and survivability.
- Increased Speed: Faster transit times allow for more rapid deployment and repositioning in dynamic combat zones.
- Extended Endurance: The aircraft can stay on station longer, providing sustained ISR coverage.
- Expanded Payload Capacity: More room for advanced sensors, communication equipment, and potential defensive systems.
However, concerns remain about fleet capacity. The Army has suggested that the final ME-11B fleet could consist of just 10 to 16 aircraft. This number is significantly lower than the dozens of smaller ISR turboprops currently in use worldwide. If the Army plans to scale back its existing ISR fleet while transitioning to ME-11Bs, it must ensure that the new aircraft can meet operational demands across multiple theaters.
As it stands, the Army expects the first operational ME-11B to be ready by 2027. The success of the program will hinge on several factors, including:
- Completion of Modifications: SNC and Bombardier must complete the necessary modifications on schedule.
- Sensor Integration: Ensuring seamless functionality of the ASARS-2B and other ISR tools will be critical.
- Testing and Evaluation: The aircraft will undergo rigorous trials to validate performance in real-world scenarios.
- Strategic Adaptation: As threats evolve, the Army must remain flexible in integrating new technologies.
The ME-11B represents a bold step forward in the Army’s ISR capabilities. With its advanced sensor suite, potential drone-launching capabilities, and ability to operate at high altitudes, it is poised to become a critical asset in future conflicts. However, the success of the program will depend on effective implementation and adaptation to an ever-changing battlefield landscape.
As the U.S. military prepares for the challenges of future warfare, the ME-11B HADES will play a pivotal role in ensuring that America maintains a decisive intelligence advantage over its adversaries.
