Airmen from the 18th Airborne Command and Control Squadron and base leadership gathered on the flightline to welcome the delivery of the second new E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node aircraft here, Nov. 15, 2023.

 The new E-11A BACN aircraft brings additional capability to the unit to increase training and operational support of the new mission of relaying critical information to the frontline warfighters.   

The total number of E-11A’s at Robins is now at three with a planned total of 9 aircraft in service by the end of fiscal year 2027.

The E-11A BACN aircraft is a modified Bombardier BD700 business jet, which provides a high-altitude communications relay and gateway system providing strategic and operational maneuverability to commanders and their forces in contested areas. 

 BACN enables the digital infrastructure and software tools to inform the warfighter to make effective decisions in the air and on the ground.  It does this by disseminating imagery, voice, and tactical digital data across multiple elements to enhance situational awareness on the battlefield. It also provides interoperability for joint and coalition forces, effectively bridging operations across air, space, land, and sea domains.

The 18 ACCS is made up of active-duty Airmen and contractors stationed here at Robins AFB, but with its higher headquarters, geographically separated at the 319th Reconnaissance Wing, Grand Forks AFB, N.D.