Working Sunday for the US Army’s Bombardier CL-60 ARTEMIS.
The aircraft (reg. N488CR – c/s BRIO68), based in Constanta, Romania operated in front of the coast of eastern Libya throughout the morning.
This is not the first time we have recorded this type of mission, but it is still quite rare since this set-up has been used mostly on NATO’s eastern border since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began.
The Bombardier CL-60 ARTEMIS is a modified version of the civilian Bombardier Challenger 604 business jet, which has been adapted for military use by the US Army. The aircraft is used primarily for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as well as for transport and communication purposes.
One of the key features of the CL-60 ARTEMIS is its advanced sensor suite, which includes high-resolution electro-optical and infrared cameras, as well as synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) equipment. These sensors allow the aircraft to gather a wide range of information from high altitudes and long ranges, making it a valuable asset for military operations.
In addition to its ISR capabilities, the CL-60 ARTEMIS is also equipped with a secure communications system and can be configured to carry VIPs or other personnel. The aircraft has a range of over 4,000 nautical miles and can fly at altitudes up to 41,000 feet, making it capable of conducting missions across long distances and in challenging environments.
The US Army currently operates several CL-60 ARTEMIS aircraft, which are based at Fort Bliss, Texas. These aircraft are part of the Army’s Special Electronic Mission Aircraft (SEMA) fleet, which also includes other modified business jets such as the Gulfstream C-20 and the Hawker Beechcraft C-12.
Overall, the Bombardier CL-60 ARTEMIS is a highly capable aircraft that provides the US Army with a versatile platform for a variety of missions, including intelligence gathering, transport, and communication.
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