Leonardo and Bombardier Defense have signed a memorandum of understanding to pursue strategic opportunities in the maritime multi-mission aircraft sector.This non-exclusive partnership will research potential integrations of Leonardo’s selected airborne solutions into Bombardier’s Global 6500 twin-engine aircraft.The resulting modifications will be utilized to address “growing demand” in the sector, with a focus on meeting complex requirements.Global 6500 jet. Photo: BombardierThroughout the partnership, Leonardo will provide access to its Airborne Tactical Observation System (ATOS) avionics technology designed for wide-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance tasks.ATOS can be fitted into fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles, to collect and streamline real-time data from various sensors, electro-optical cameras, acoustic capabilities, and other mission tools.It is installed in 10 different aircraft across Europe, Africa, and Australia.Meanwhile, Bombardier’s Global 6500 is a flexible platform that can be modified into a medium- to high-altitude signals, early warning, and command and control base.The 100-foot (30-meter) aircraft is currently in use by the US Army as part of its HADES and ATHENA-S spy plane programs, and has been supplied to over 500 specialized aircraft projects covering defense, security, and humanitarian operations.“Bombardier’s proven and versatile Global 6500 aircraft combined with Leonardo’s world-class mission systems are perfectly aligned to meet operational demands of discerning users,” Leonardo said in its press release.The HADES spy plane will be based on the Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft. Photo: US ArmyThe post Leonardo, Bombardier to Explore Maritime Multi-Mission Aircraft Opportunities appeared first on The Defense Post.