Accidents
Global 6500 Athena Operational as SNC Completes Testing
Modified Bombardier business jet ISR platforms cleared for service with U.S. Army
Modified Global 6500 in flight
Two missionized Bombardier Global 6500s were modified at SNC’s aircraft integration facility at Hagerstown, Maryland. These will provide high-altitude, long-endurance sensing capabilities to the U.S. Army. © Sierra Nevada Corporation

Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC) has completed contractor testing and government end-to-end evaluation of its Athena (Army Theater-level High-altitude Expeditionary Next Airborne) aircraft. The modified Bombardier Global 6500, which integrates SNC’s Rapcon-X architecture, is now cleared for operational use in support of U.S. Army intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

According to SNC, the aircraft’s performance was validated through a “comprehensive series of contractor and government testing events” at the company’s aircraft integration facilities in Maryland. Two specially outfitted aircraft will be available for contractor-owned, contractor-operated service.