The US Air Force's E-11A plays a key role in connecting ground forces, aerial assets and command and control.

The E-11A is a modified large-cabin Bombardier Global Express 6000/BD700-1A10 business jet employed as a platform for the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN).

The BACN payload is an airborne communication relay and gateway telecommunication system that enables the E-11A to provide extended aerial command and control both to aerial assets and to ground-based troops.

It consists of equipment and processors that extend line-of-sight communications and transmit video, voice, tactical data and imagery between different combat elements too distant to communicate directly.

The BACN streamlines communications from Link-16, a tactical military data network employed by the United States, NATO and other allies to communicate relevant air and missile threat data to defense systems.

It also coordinates transmissions among fighters, bombers and Joint Terminal Attack Control air support teams who direct the action of airmen.

In the future, "BACN-light" smart node pods could be mounted on various aircraft to create an adaptable, mesh-based approach for large-scale, contested environments.

The E-11A is referred to as "Wi-Fi in the sky" because it can serve as a low earth satellite, supporting critical, real time communications.

This capability, in addition to the many other land, sea and air assets of the US military, enables the United States to help its allies in times of need against common adversaries.

Critical communications

The US Air Force's 430th Expeditionary Electronic Communications Squadron (EECS) and the newly formed 18th Airborne Command Control Squadron operate the E-11A with the BACN payload.

The unit is specifically tasked with providing and maintaining critical communication channels for air, ground and maritime forces in combat zones, including communication among American forces, their allies and coalition partners in the Middle East.

More recently, the E-11A aircraft and the 430th EECS played a key role in facilitating humanitarian airdrops in Gaza since early March.

From March to June, the E-11 aided humanitarian assistance in Gaza by ensuring all relevant air assets delivered aid promptly, totaling more than 1 million kg.

"The E-11 is one of those platforms that most people don't know a lot about,” Col. Seth Spanier, 378th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, said in a US Air Force statement in June.

"But it's absolutely essential ... They touch every major operation in theater and are a [linchpin] to mission success."