View source for Sierra Nevada Corporation

{{Short description|American-based aerospace company}}
{{For|the brewing company|Sierra Nevada Brewing Company}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Sierra Nevada Corporation
| logo = SNC logo.svg
| type = [[Private company|Private]]
| foundation = {{start date and age|1963}}
| hq_location_city = [[Sparks, Nevada]]
| hq_location_country = United States
| key_people = {{Unbulleted list
   | [[Fatih Ozmen]] (CEO)
   | [[Eren Ozmen]] (President)
   }}
| revenue = {{Increase}} {{US$|2.4 billion|link=yes}} (2021)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.forbes.com/companies/sierra-nevada/ | title=Sierra Nevada | website=[[Forbes]] }}</ref>
| num_employees = 5,000 (2022)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sncorp.com/who-we-are/ | title=Who We Are &#124; Sierra Nevada Corporation &#124; SNC }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = About SNC|url=https://www.sncorp.com/who-we-are/about-snc/|website=sncorp.com}}</ref>
| industry = [[Aerospace industry|Aerospace]]
| subsid = [[Sierra Space]]
| homepage = {{URL|sncorp.com}}
}}
'''Sierra Nevada Corporation''' (also styled '''SNC''') is an American [[aerospace]], defense, electronics, engineering and manufacturing corporation<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sierra Nevada {{!}} Company Overview & News |url=https://www.forbes.com/companies/sierra-nevada/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> that specializes in aircraft modification, integration and other [[Space technology|space technologies]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=SNC |first=Sierra Nevada Corporation {{!}} |title=Aerospace & Defense |url=https://www.sncorp.com/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=www.sncorp.com |language=en}}</ref>  The corporation contracts with the [[Defense Department]], [[NASA]], and [[private spaceflight]] companies.  The corporation is headquartered in [[Sparks, Nevada]], and has 36 locations in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Turkey.<ref name="About">{{cite web |url=http://www.sncorp.com/about_snc.php |title=About Sierra Nevada Corporation}}</ref>

As of October 2020, the corporation has participated in over 500 successful space missions, including 14 missions to [[Mars]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-10-01 |title=Sierra Space Overview |url=https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/space_portal_sierra_space_0.pdf |access-date=2023-12-13 |website=NASA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Maurer |first1=Allan |date=29 July 2020 |title=Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover launching Thursday includes 8 components made in Durham |url=https://www.wraltechwire.com/2020/07/29/mars-2020-perseverance-rover-launching-thursday-includes-8-components-made-in-durham/ |access-date=16 April 2021 |website=WRAL Tech Wire}}</ref> In 2021, the corporation created the subsidiary, [[Sierra Space]], to continue working on the development of the [[Dream Chaser]] spaceplane and Commercial Space Station with [[Blue Origin]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=NNBW staff report |title=NASA's Perseverance is 14th Mars mission supported by Sierra Nevada Corporation |url=https://www.nnbw.com/news/nasas-perseverance-is-14th-mars-mission-supported-by-sierra-nevada-corporation/ |access-date=26 August 2020 |publisher=Northern Nevada Business Weekly |date=4 August 2020 |archive-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128014930/https://www.nnbw.com/news/nasas-perseverance-is-14th-mars-mission-supported-by-sierra-nevada-corporation/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Cargo Dream Chaser">{{cite web |url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-awards-international-space-station-cargo-transport-contracts/|title=NASA Awards International Space Station Cargo Transport Contracts|date=January 14, 2016|publisher=NASA |access-date=January 15, 2016}}</ref> The organization is a multi-billion-dollar corporation with over 4,000 employees. Its main business is working with the [[United States Department of Defense|US Department of Defense]] and [[NASA]] on contracts.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

==History==
The corporation was founded in 1963 by John Chisholm with a few employees working out of an airplane hangar in the [[Reno Stead Airport]]. The corporation was acquired in 1994 by [[Fatih Ozmen]] and [[Eren Ozmen]]. Fatih Ozmen was one of the original employees hired by Chisholm in 1981.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sncorp.com/AboutUs/FatihOzmen |title=Fatih Ozmen, Sierra Nevada Corporation |publisher=SNC}}</ref> The corporation has since grown into a multi-billion-dollar corporation with over 4,000 employees. The companies main business is completing [[United States Department of Defense|US Department of Defense]] and [[NASA]] contracts.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/eren-ozmen/#48e967b86fc0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530045725/http://www.forbes.com/profile/eren-ozmen/?#48e967b86fc0|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 30, 2015|title = Eren Ozmen|website=[[Forbes]] }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/fatih-ozmen/#5bcd6823419a|title = Fatih Ozmen| website=[[Forbes]] }}</ref>

In 2016, the corporation built a {{convert|130000|sqft}} aircraft modification facility in [[Meridianville, Alabama]], alongside [[Madison County Executive Airport]]. The corporation expanded, building an additional {{convert|60800|sqft}} facility, which could hold seven [[Beechcraft Super King Air]]/[[Beechcraft C-12 Huron#King Air 350-based variants|C-12/MC-12S]] planes. The corporation began modifying commercial aircraft into military surveillance aircraft, such as the US Army's [[EMARSS]] platform.<ref name="alair">{{Cite web |title=Sierra Nevada to build aircraft facility in Madison County |author=Lucy Berry |work=[[AL.com]] |date=17 Feb 2016 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://www.al.com/business/2016/02/sierra_nevada_to_build_aircraf.html}}</ref><ref name="avia_SNCA">{{Cite web |title=SNC Adds Second Aircraft Modifications Complex in Huntsville, AL |work=Aviation Pros |date=28 August 2018 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://www.aviationpros.com/aircraft/maintenance-providers/mro/press-release/12427293/sierra-nevada-corporation-snc-adds-second-aircraft-modifications-complex-in-huntsville-al |quote=Best known as the leader in Army aviation and ISR systems, SNC has been operational and growing rapidly in Huntsville since 2012. }}</ref>

==Space systems==
In December 2008, the corporation completed its acquisition of [[SpaceDev]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sncorp.com/AboutUs/NewsDetails/382 |title=Sierra Nevada Corporation Acquires Space Dev Inc. |date=December 16, 2008 |publisher=SNC}}</ref>  It is now developing an [[orbit]]al [[spacecraft]] called the [[Dream Chaser (spacecraft)|Dream Chaser]].<ref name=Fg20091027>{{Cite video
  | people = Mark Sirangelo
  | title = International Astronautical Congress 2009: Civilian Access to Space
  | medium = video
  | publisher = [[Flightglobal]] Hyperbola, Rob Coppinger
  | location = [[Daejeon, Korea]]
  | url = http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/hyperbola/2009/10/video-iac2009-civilian-access.html
  | date = 2009-10-27 }}, video comments at 11:30 ff.</ref> In April 2021, the corporation announced it would create [[Sierra Space]], an independent commercial space corporation. Sierra Space is developing the reusable [[Dream Chaser]] spaceplane and working with Blue Origin to create a commercial space station.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/14/billionaire-owned-sierra-nevada-corp-creating-new-space-company-to-bet-on-a-low-earth-orbit-economy.html |title=Billionaire-Owned Sierra Nevada Corp. Creating New Space Company to Bet on a Low-Earth Orbit Economy |date=April 14, 2021 |publisher=CNBC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sheetz |first=Michael |date=2023-09-28 |title=Blue Origin, Sierra Space weigh future of Orbital Reef space station as partnership turns rocky |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/28/blue-origin-sierra-space-orbital-reef-space-station-in-limbo.html |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref>
===Dream Chaser spaceplane===
[[File:Dream Chaser pre-drop tests.3.jpg|thumb|Sierra Nevada's [[Dream Chaser]]|290x290px]]{{main|Dream Chaser}}
In February 2010, Sierra Nevada Corporation was awarded<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sncorp.com/AboutUs/NewsDetails/410 |title=SNC receives largest award of NASA's CCDev Competitive Contract |date=February 1, 2010 |publisher=SNC}}</ref> $20 million in seed money in phase 1 of [[NASA|NASA's]] [[Commercial Crew Development]] (CCDev) program for the development of the Dream Chaser. Of the $50 million awarded in the phase 1 CCDev program, Dream Chaser's award represented the largest share of the funds.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/707193main_McAlister_Commercial_NAS_20121115=TAGGED.pdf|title=Commercial Certification Process and Accomplishments|publisher=NASA|date=November 15, 2012|access-date=August 11, 2013}}</ref>

In August 2012, NASA announced new agreements with the Sierra Nevada Corporation and two other companies to design and develop the next generation of U.S. human spaceflight capabilities, enabling a launch of astronauts from U.S. soil in the next five years. Advances made by these companies under newly signed [[Space Act Agreement|Space Act Agreements]] through the agency's [[Commercial Crew Program|Commercial Crew Integrated Capability]] (CCiCap) initiative are intended to ultimately lead to the availability of commercial human spaceflight services for government and commercial customers. As part of this agreement, Sierra Nevada Corporation was awarded $212.5 million, ostensibly to continue the development and testing of its Dream Chaser spacecraft.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2012/aug/HQ_12-263_CCiCAP_Awards.html|title=NASA Announces Next Steps In Effort To Launch Americans From U.S. Soil|agency=NASA|date=August 3, 2012|access-date=3 July 2015}}</ref> The Dream Chaser is a revival of NASA's [[HL-20 Personnel Launch System]] lifting-body design.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/AW_06_03_2013_p54-582468.xml|title=Sierra Nevada Builds Up To Lifting-Body Drop Tests|access-date=3 July 2015}}</ref>

In July 2014, the corporation signed a letter of cooperation with [[Tuskegee University]] to collaborate on efforts related to SNC's Dream Chaser.<ref>[https://www.prweb.com/releases/tuskegee_university_joins_sierra_nevada_corporation_s_dream_chaser_team/prweb12043372.htm PRWeb.com: "Tuskegee University Joins Sierra Nevada Corporation's Dream Chaser Team"], ''PRWeb'', July 24, 2014</ref> In August 2014, [[Lockheed Martin]] and Sierra Nevada Corporation unveiled the composite airframe of the Dream Chaser, which was used to conduct the first orbital launch in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |last=SNC |first=Sierra Nevada Corporation {{!}} |title=Sierra Nevada Corporation and Lockheed Martin Expand Dream Chaser Orbital Vehicle Manufacturing |url=https://www.sncorp.com/news-archive/sierra-nevada-corporation-and-lockheed-martin-expand-dream-chaser-orbital-vehicle-manufacturing/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=www.sncorp.com |language=en}}</ref>

Internally the Dream Chaser program team is frequently referred to as the "Dream Team."<ref>{{Cite web |last=SNC |first=Sierra Nevada Corporation {{!}} |title=Sierra Nevada Corporation Expands Dream Chaser® Dream Team with Addition of Siemens PLM Software |url=https://www.sncorp.com/news-archive/sierra-nevada-corporation-expands-dream-chaser-dream-team-with-addition-of-siemens-plm-software/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=www.sncorp.com |language=en}}</ref> The team includes well-known aerospace industry partners such as Lockheed Martin and [[United Launch Alliance]], [[NASA]] centers and universities across the United States, small businesses such as Craig Technologies, as well as the [[Europe|European]], [[Germany|German]] and [[Japan|Japanese]] [[List of government space agencies|space agencies]].<ref>Doug Messier (August 6, 2014). [http://www.parabolicarc.com/2014/08/06/sierra-nevada-expanding-dream-chaser-team/ "Sierra Nevada Keeps Expanding Dream Chaser Team"]. ''Parabolic Arc''.</ref> 

In September 2014, Sierra Nevada Corporation lost the Commercial Crew Transportation Capability (CCtCap) contract to SpaceX and [[Boeing]], which NASA chose as the two companies that will be funded to develop systems to transport U.S. crews to and from the space station. Boeing won $4.2 billion and SpaceX won $2.6 billion to complete and certify their spacecraft by 2017.<ref name=September2014>{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/press/2014/september/nasa-chooses-american-companies-to-transport-us-astronauts-to-international|title=NASA Chooses American Companies to Transport U.S. Astronauts to International Space Station|date=September 16, 2014|publisher=NASA|access-date=September 18, 2014}}</ref> NASA deemed the companies proposal less mature than SpaceX's or Boeing.<ref>Norris, Guy (11 October 2014). [http://aviationweek.com/space/why-nasa-rejected-sierra-nevadas-commercial-crew-vehicle Why NASA Rejected Sierra "Nevada's Commercial Crew Vehicle"]. ''[[Aviation Week & Space Technology]]''. Accessed 13 October 2014. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013135535/http://aviationweek.com/space/why-nasa-rejected-sierra-nevadas-commercial-crew-vehicle|date=13 October 2014}}</ref> In the selection statement, [[William H. Gerstenmaier|Bill Gerstenmaier]], head of NASA's human exploration and operations directorate, explained the decision by stating that "a winged spacecraft is a more complex design and thus entails more developmental and certification challenges, and therefore may have more technical and schedule risk than expected", and "I consider SNC's design to be at the lowest level of maturity, with significantly more technical work and critical design decisions to accomplish.... SNC's proposal also has more schedule uncertainty."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/files/CCtCap-Source-Selection-Statement-508.pdf/|title=Source Selection Statement for Commercial Crew Transportation Capability Contract (CCtCap|date=September 15, 2014|publisher=NASA|access-date=January 15, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114134848/http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/files/CCtCap-Source-Selection-Statement-508.pdf|archive-date=January 14, 2016}}</ref> Director Mark Sirangelo said the team was "devastated", and called it "like a death in the family", and [[Washington Post]] said the corporation "entered a realm particular to the world of government contracting: that of the big-time corporate loser".<ref name="wpgrounded" />

The corporation filed a protest to the [[Government Accounting Office|GAO]] against the selection, which was rejected.<ref name="wpprot">{{Cite news |title=Sierra Nevada Corp. protests NASA space contract, says it would save the agency more money |author=Christian Davenport |newspaper=Washington Post |date=27 May 2014 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/sierra-nevada-corp-protests-nasa-space-contract/2014/09/27/bc5d55d2-4650-11e4-b437-1a7368204804_story.html}}</ref><ref name="wash_GAOd">{{Cite news |title=GAO denies Sierra Nevada protest of NASA contract |author=Christian Davenport |newspaper=Washington Post |date=15 January 2015 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/gao-denies-sierra-nevada-protest-of-nasa-contract/2015/01/05/68e70970-94f7-11e4-8005-1924ede3e54a_story.html}}</ref> ''[[The Washington Post]]'' called the moves to preserve the program "straddling the fine line between faith and delusion, persistence and masochism". While the Dream Chaser was designed to carry passengers, they modified it for cargo and worked through Thanksgiving 2015 to meet a January 2016 bidding deadline.<ref name="wash_NASA">{{Cite news |title=NASA cuts Boeing from International Space Station resupply contract competition |author=Christian Davenport |newspaper=Washington Post |date=5 November 2015 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2015/11/05/nasa-cuts-boeing-from-international-space-station-resupply-contract-competition/}}</ref> In January 2016, they were awarded a [[Commercial Resupply Services]] (CRS-2) contract for resupply missions to the [[International Space Station]] between 2019 and 2024, guaranteeing a minimum of six launches.<ref name="wpgrounded">{{Cite news |title=Grounded: Left behind in the contracting race to restore Americans to space |author=Christian Davenport |newspaper=Washington Post |date=13 February 2015 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/loser-left-behind-in-the-contracting-race-to-restore-america-to-space/2015/02/13/d65800d4-a264-11e4-b146-577832eafcb4_story.html}}</ref><ref name="Cargo Dream Chaser" /> The corporation will use [[United Launch Alliance]]'s [[Vulcan (rocket)|Vulcan Centaur]] rocket as the launch vehicle for Dream Chaser's cargo configuration starting in 2022.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=54513 |title=SNC Selects ULA for Dream Chaser Spacecraft Launches |work=Sierra Nevada Corporation |publisher=SpaceRef |date=August 14, 2019 |access-date=August 14, 2019}}</ref>

=== RocketMotorTwo and STPSat-5 ===
{{main|RocketMotorTwo}}
The corporation was the main contractor on [[RocketMotorTwo]] for [[Virgin Galactic]]'s [[SpaceShipTwo]], and designed the [[rocket engine]] for [[Scaled Composites]], including the one used for [[SpaceShipOne]].<ref name=Space-2011-06-10>Leonard David (June 10, 2011). [http://www.space.com/11928-virgin-galactic-spaceshiptwo-test-flights-space-tourism.html "Virgin Galactic Pushes Private Spaceship Envelope in Test Flights"]. ''Space.com''.</ref> In April 2013, SpaceShipTwo completed its first powered flight test using RocketMotorTwo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/AW_05_06_2013_p35-575168.xml|title=SS2 Breaks Sound Barrier On First Powered Flight|access-date=3 July 2015}}</ref> After losing the bid for NASA commercial crew, Sierra Nevada reduced the staff working on RocketMotorTwo in September 2014. In late November, the corporation announced the permanent closure of their [[Poway, California]] propulsion development facility as they intend to consolidate all propulsion activity in one location, at the facilities at Orbital Technologies Corp.<ref name="sn20141126">
{{cite news |last1=Foust|first1=Jeff |title=Sierra Nevada To Close California Propulsion Facility |url=http://www.spacenews.com/article/civil-space/42666sierra-nevada-to-close-california-propulsion-facility |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141201133307/http://www.spacenews.com/article/civil-space/42666sierra-nevada-to-close-california-propulsion-facility |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 1, 2014 |access-date=2014-12-01 |work=Space News |date=2014-11-26 }}</ref>

In October 2014, the [[United States Department of Defense]] awarded Sierra Nevada Corporation's Space Systems with a contract to develop and build a next-generation science and technology demonstration satellite, known as STPSat-5, for their [[Space Test Program]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ferster |first1=Warren |title=Sierra Nevada Corp. Wins $13.26 Million Contract for Air Force's STPSat-5 |url=https://spacenews.com/42427military-space-quarterly-sierra-nevada-corp-wins-1326-million-contract/ |access-date=28 October 2020 |publisher=Space News |date=1 November 2014}}</ref>

=== Artemis Human Landing System proposal ===
{{Main|Artemis program}}
SNC Space Systems, working with [[Dynetics]], participated in some early HLS design studies under NASA's HLS Appendix E program. They submitted a HLS proposal to NASA for HLS Appendix H, which was one of three proposals selected for further study, along with Blue Origin and SpaceX. NASA's Stephen Jurczyk identified the fuel drop tanks and low crew module as innovative strengths, but the propulsion system, identified by [[Scott Manley]] as SNC's Vortex engines, was a low-maturity risk. Overall, their technical rating and management rating were listed as "very good", making the Dynetics proposal the highest-rated project.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spacenews.com/dynetics-sierra-nevada-bidding-on-artemis-lunar-lander/|title=Dynetics, Sierra Nevada bidding on Artemis lunar lander|date=2020-01-10|website=SpaceNews.com|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-12}}</ref><ref name="next3">{{Cite web |title=NASA Selects Blue Origin, Dynetics, SpaceX for Artemis Human Landers |publisher=NASA |date=30 April 2020 |access-date=11 June 2020 |url= https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-selects-blue-origin-dynetics-spacex-for-artemis-human-landers}}</ref><ref name="nextH">{{Cite web |title=NextSTEP H: Source Selection Statement: NextSTEP-2 Appendix H: Human Landing System Broad Agency Announcement NNH19ZCQ001K_APPENDIX-H-HLS |author=Stephen Jurczyk |author-link=Stephen Jurczyk |publisher=NASA |date=28 April 2020 |access-date=11 June 2020 |url=https://beta.sam.gov/api/prod/opps/v3/opportunities/resources/files/3488c1f1556745cb87c046135d8ffe00/download }}{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

=== Demonstration and Science Experiments (DSX) spacecraft ===
The corporation has concluded a successful two-year on-orbit research mission for the [[Air Force Research Laboratory]] (AFRL). The mission utilized the Demonstration and Science Experiments (DSX) spacecraft in [[medium Earth orbit]] (MEO) and helped utilize research and technologies that could advance the potential future deployment of [[United States Department of Defense]] (DoD) spacecraft in the harsh radiation environment of MEO.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=58282 |title=Built by SNC, Largest Structure Ever Launched for Unmanned Mission Wraps Successful On-Orbit Research Operation for AFRL |date=September 21, 2021 |publisher=SpaceRef}}</ref> The three successful DSX physics-based research/experiment areas include: Wave Particle Interaction Experiment (WPIx), Space Weather Experiment (SWx), and Space Environmental Effects (SFx). Robert Johnston, the principal investigator on the science side of the DSX team, commented on the DSX mission: "We will be working the science from this mission for the remainder of our careers&nbsp;... DSX's contributions in understanding the environment of space are profound to our nation and the DoD."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=58282 |title=Built by SNC, Largest Structure Ever Launched for Unmanned Mission Wraps Successful On-Orbit Research Operation for AFRL |date=September 21, 2021 |publisher=SpaceRef}}</ref>

==Other projects==

===Predator===
In 2001, SNC was producing landing gear for the [[Predator drone]].<ref name="lasv_Fati"/>

===C-145A Skytruck===
In 2009, the corporation converted the [[Poland|Polish]] [[PZL M28 Skytruck]] into the C-145A Skytruck for the [[Air Force Special Operations Command]] (AFSOC). One crashed beyond repair in Afghanistan in 2011. 11 were retired in 2015. In 2016, three were sent to Kenya, two to Costa Rica, two to Nepal, and two to Estonia.<!-- 9 of 11 accounted for --><ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20111218-0|title=ASN Aircraft accident PZL-Mielec C-145A (M28-05) Skytruck 08-0319 Walan Rabat Landing Zone|first=Harro|last=Ranter}}</ref><ref name="defe_Keny">{{Cite web |title=Kenya seeking Skytruck aircraft from US - defenceWeb |work=defenceWeb |date=7 December 2016 |access-date=28 May 2020 |url= https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/kenya-seeking-skytruck-aircraft-from-us/ |quote=In July 2015 AFSOC announced it was retiring two thirds of its C-145A fleet, with 11 aircraft subsequently being disposed of. }}</ref> The corporation took over maintenance of the AFSOC planes in 2017.<ref name="919s_Main">{{Cite web |title=Maintainers to hand off C-145 duties in July |work=919th Special Operations Wing |date=10 April 2017 |access-date=28 May 2020 |url= https://www.919sow.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1137772/maintainers-to-hand-off-c-145-duties-in-july/}}</ref>

===Light Air Support===
Beginning in 2013, the corporation partnered with [[Embraer]] to sell the [[Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano]] as a [[Light Attack/Armed Reconnaissance]] aircraft under the USAF's A-29 Super Tucano designation.

Operators:
* [[Afghan National Security Forces|Afghan Security Forces]]: 26 aircraft were delivered from 2014 to 2017. One part of the contract was for $1.8 billion.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mehta |first1=Aaron |title=SNC, Embraer deliver first A-29 to Air Force |url=https://www.militarytimes.com/2014/09/25/snc-embraer-deliver-first-a-29-to-air-force/ |access-date=28 October 2020 |publisher=Military Times |date=25 September 2014}}</ref><ref name="mrob_USAF">{{Cite web |title=Embraer: U.S. Air Force Adds Six More A-29 Aircraft to A-29 Afghanistan Program Fleet|work=prnewswire.com |date=25 October 2017 |access-date=30 January 2023 |url= https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/embraer-us-air-force-adds-six-more-a-29-aircraft-to-a-29-afghanistan-program-fleet-300542964.html}}</ref><ref name="defe_Sier">{{Cite web |title=Sierra Nevada Awarded $1.8Bn for A-29 Light Aircraft Supply to Afghanistan |work=defenseworld.net |date=5 September 2018 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://www.defenseworld.net/news/23294/Sierra_Nevada_Awarded__1_8Bn_for_A_29_Light_Aircraft_Supply_to_Afghanistan}}</ref>
* [[Lebanon]]: six aircraft delivered in 2017–2018.<ref name="defe_Leba">{{Cite web |title=Lebanon Receives Final Four A-29 Super Tucanos from Sierra Nevada, Embraer |work=defenseworld.net |date=13 June 2018 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://www.defenseworld.net/news/22695/Lebanon_Receives_Final_Four_A_29_Super_Tucanos_from_Sierra_Nevada__Embraer}}</ref>
* [[Nigeria]]: 12 aircraft with weapons packages. The $593 million contract had been on hold since 2015 over [[Human rights in Nigeria|human rights issues]], but was discussed between President [[Donald Trump]] and Nigerian President [[Muhammadu Buhari]] in February 2017 and approved later that year. The first plane was completed in 2020.<ref name="defe_USto">{{Cite web |title=US to Sell 12 Super Tucano fighter Aircraft to Nigeria for $593 Million |work=defenseworld.net |date=28 December 2017 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://www.defenseworld.net/news/21643/US_to_Sell_12_Super_Tucano_fighter_Aircraft_to_Nigeria_for__593_Million }}</ref><ref name="dsca_Gove">{{Cite web |title=Government of Nigeria – A-29 Super Tucano Aircraft, Weapons, and Associated Support {{!}} The Official Home of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency |work=dsca.mil |date=3 August 2017 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/government-nigeria-29-super-tucano-aircraft-weapons-and-associated-support}}</ref><ref name="threesoc"/>
* United States:
** [[Air Force Special Operations Command]]'s combat aviation advisors: three aircraft. The initial two were in a $129 million contract.<ref name="threesoc">{{Cite web |title=Sierra Nevada to supply A-29 Super Tucano to US Air Force Special Operations Command |work=defenseworld.net |date=11 May 2020 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://www.defenseworld.net/news/26956/Sierra_Nevada_to_supply_A_29_Super_Tucano_to_US_Air_Force_Special_Operations_Command}}</ref>

===Persistent Wide-Area Airborne Surveillance===
[[Gorgon Stare]] is a remotely controlled, aircraft-based Wide-Area Persistent Surveillance (WAPS) system. Gorgon Stare includes the USAF's only operational day/night persistent [[Wide-Area Motion Imagery (WAMI)|wide-area motion imagery (WAMI)]] capability. The system has flown long-duration sorties daily in multiple theaters since March 2011, providing thousands of hours of direct combat support.

In Spring 2014, the U.S. Air Force deployed the latest generation of Gorgon Stare. The fully upgraded system simultaneously provides a four-fold increase in area coverage with a two-fold improvement in resolution compared to its predecessor. The system features two state-of-the-art imaging sensor turrets—an electro-optical (EO) sensor derived from the [[Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)|Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA)]] ARGUS technology and an infrared (IR) sensor integrating the largest IR arrays available.<ref name=airforcetimes>[http://archive.airforcetimes.com/article/20110125/NEWS/101250338/Air-Force-stands-by-Gorgon-Stare-program AirForceTimes.com: ''Air Force stands by Gorgon Stare program''], by Ben Iannotta - C4ISR Journal Writer, posted Tuesday Jan 25, 2011 14:15:59 EST</ref>

===Transport Telemedicine System===
The Sierra Nevada Corporation Transport Telemedicine System is a capability that captures and communicates patient care and condition information beginning at the point of injury and continuing until arrival at a medical facility. In September 2014, at the inaugural Nevada Telemedicine Summit, SNC successfully demonstrated the capability to the [[United States Army Medical Materiel Agency|U.S. Army Medical Material Agency]]. The [[Nevada National Guard|Nevada Army National Guard]] MEDEVAC unit flew the demonstration mission.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Garcia |first1=Jessica |title=Sierra Nevada Corp. completes telemedicine program |url=https://www.rgj.com/story/money/business/2014/11/06/sierra-nevada-corp-completes-telemedicine-program/18632109/ |access-date=28 October 2020 |publisher=Reno Gazette Journal |date=6 November 2014}}</ref>

===Multi-mission aircraft===
In July 2014, the corporations Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) business area located in [[Centennial, Colorado]], won a competitive contract to provide and operate two multi-mission aircraft (MMA) for the State of Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gabbert |first1=Bill |title=Colorado to buy two high-tech multi-mission aircraft for aerial firefighting |url=https://fireaviation.com/2014/07/31/colorado-to-buy-two-multi-mission-aircraft-for-aerial-firefighting/ |access-date=28 October 2020 |publisher=Fire Aviation |date=31 July 2014}}</ref> Based on the [[Pilatus PC-12]], the DFPC aircraft are equipped with electro-optical sensors and communications equipment that allow firefighters to detect small fires before they grow into large incidents that severely affect Colorado's lives, property, and resources. 

As a result of the integration, technology and modifications, the MMA are providing advanced fire detection, location, and behavior monitoring capabilities. The aircraft feature a communications system that allows the aircrew to send collected information to all wildfire response personnel using the Colorado Wildfire Information Management System (CO-WIMS), a web-based collaborative information sharing tool that allows any firefighter immediate access to fire location, behavior, and other critical pieces of information. Colorado has also successfully employed the aircraft in search-and-rescue and environmental assessment missions.

In 2016, [[United States Customs and Border Protection]] (CBP) awarded SNC a $280 million firm-fixed-price contract to engineer and integrate 12 Multi-Role Enforcement Aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sierra Nevada Corporation Awarded $280M Contract to Provide Multi-Role Enforcement Aircraft to U.S. Customs & Border Protection |url=https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/snc-mea/ |website=sncorp.com |publisher=Sierra Nevada Corporation |access-date=23 September 2020}}</ref> In 2020, [[CBP Air and Marine Operations]] (AMO) issued a delivery order to SNC valued at roughly $47 million for the acquisition of two Multi-Role Enforcement Aircraft (MEA). These two aircraft are the 24th and 25th ordered MEA, and are expected to be delivered early 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=AMO Expanding and Modernizing Air Assets |url=https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/amo-expanding-and-modernizing-air-assets |website=cbp.gov |publisher=U.S. Customs and Border Protection |access-date=23 September 2020}}</ref>

Operators:
* US Army [[Task Force ODIN]]
* [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection]], at least some of their 25-plane King Air fleet; 12 of the aircraft were provided in a $280 million contract in 2016.<ref name="txta_Text">{{Cite web |title=Textron Aviation awarded the contract for two Beechcraft King Air 350CER aircraft for U.S. Customs and Border Protection |work=txtav.com |date=20 May 2020 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://txtav.com/en/newsroom/2020/05/textron-aviation-awarded-contract-for-two-beechcraft-king-air-350cer-aircraft |quote=Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, was awarded a contract for two additional Beechcraft King Air 350CER turboprop aircraft for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO). After mission modifications by Sierra Nevada Corporation, these two Multi-role Enforcement Aircraft (MEA) aircraft will join a fleet of 23 other King Air 350 aircraft used to safeguard the United States homeland as part of the coordinated application of CBP's aviation and maritime law enforcement resources. }}</ref><ref name="snco_SNCM">{{Cite web |title=SNC MEA {{!}} Sierra Nevada Corporation {{!}} SNC |work=sncorp.com |date=16 September 2016 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/snc-mea/}}</ref>
* [[Royal Saudi Air Force]], four planes for $185 million.<ref name="airr_Sier">{{Cite web |title=Sierra Nevada wins new $23M contract for Saudi King Air 350 program |work=airrecognition.com |date=November 2018 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-defense-security-news/global-news-2018/november/4601-sierra-nevada-wins-new-23m-contrat-for-saudi-king-air-350-program.html}}</ref>
* [[Jamaica Defence Force]], one plane acquired in 2018.<ref name="flig_Jama">{{Cite web |title=Jamaica Defence Force commissions maritime surveillance aircraft |work=Flight Global |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/jamaica-defence-force-commissions-maritime-surveillance-aircraft-/130433.article |quote=The twin-turboprop Beechcraft King Air 350 WR has been modified by Sierra Nevada Corporation with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) equipment. The JDF did not disclose what sort of ISR equipment was added to the aircraft, though the country's cabinet reportedly approved a $16.9 million payment to Sierra Nevada and the inclusion of the aircraft under the Maritime Air and Cyber Command suggests it may have electronic eavesdropping capabilities, as well as the ability to track boats hauling contraband. }}</ref>
* [[Kuwait Air Force]], four planes ordered in 2018 for $259 million with [[Seaspray (radar)|Seaspray 7500]] [[Active electronically scanned array|AESA]], [[L-3 Wescam|WESCAM]] [[Reprography|EO]]-[[Thermography|IR]] imaging, communications, [[AN/AAR-47 Missile Approach Warning System|AN/AAR-47 missile warning system]], and [[AN/ALE-47]] countermeasures.<ref name="arab_Arab">{{Cite web |publisher=Arabian Aerospace |title=Kuwait orders King Air 350 spyplanes |work=arabianaerospace.aero |date=22 October 2018 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://www.arabianaerospace.aero/kuwait-orders-king-air-350-spyplanes.html}}</ref><ref name="defe_USAp">{{Cite web |title=US Approves $259M Sierra Nevada King Air 350ER ISR Aircraft Sale to Kuwait |work=Defense World |date=22 February 2018 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://www.defenseworld.net/news/22021/US_Approves__259M_Sierra_Nevada_King_Air_350ER_ISR_Aircraft_Sale_to_Kuwait}}</ref>

===Dornier 328 and 328JET===
[[File:Dornier 328 (304650241).jpg|thumb|A Dornier 328, 2006|292x292px]]
In 2015, Sierra Nevada Corporation acquired 328 Support Services GmbH (328 SSG) and with it the maintenance rights and [[type certificate]]s for the [[Dornier 328]] and [[Fairchild-Dornier 328JET]].<ref>{{cite press release |url= https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/snc-328-acquisition/ |title= Sierra Nevada Corporation Expands into Global Aircraft Markets through Investments in UK and Germany – SNC Acquires 328 Support Services GmbH |publisher=Sierra Nevada Corporation |date= 2015-02-06 |access-date=2020-03-22}}</ref> Later in 2015 an agreement was reached for the [[Turkey|Turkish]] government to build the aircraft in Turkey as the T328 and TR328 and for Turkey to develop enlarged 60-70 seat "628" models, under the [[Turkish regional jet project|Turkish Regional Jet project]].<ref name=ATW20Oct2017>{{cite news |url= http://atwonline.com/airframes/turkey-scraps-dornier-328-revival |title= Turkey scraps Dornier 328 revival |date= Oct 20, 2017 |author= Alan Dron |work= Aviation Week Network |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171020232838/http://atwonline.com/airframes/turkey-scraps-dornier-328-revival |archive-date= 2017-10-20 |access-date=2020-03-22}}</ref> [[First flight]]s were anticipated in 2019, but the project was abandoned in 2017.<ref name=ATW20Oct2017/> SNC and 328 SSG would continue exploring revivals of the 328 and 328JET.<ref name=ATW20Oct2017/>

===Survivable Airborne Operations Center===
{{Empty section|date=May 2024}}
{{main|Survivable Airborne Operations Center}}

==Controversy==
===False Claims Act lawsuit===
In 2017, the corporation settled a [[Justice Department]] lawsuit that says that the Sierra Nevada Corporation had overcharged the U.S government on federal contracts between 2007 and 2011 which violated the [[False Claims Act]]. They settled without admitting liability, paying $14.9 million.<ref name="just_Sier">{{Cite web |title=Sierra Nevada Corporation Pays $14.9m to Settle Allegations of Improper Contract Billings |work=justice.gov |date=15 February 2017 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://www.justice.gov/usao-edca/pr/sierra-nevada-corporation-pays-149m-settle-allegations-improper-contract-billings |quote=Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has paid $14.9 million to resolve allegations that it violated the federal False Claims Act when it knowingly misclassified certain costs, resulting in inflated overhead rates paid to SNC pursuant to various government contracts, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. }}</ref><ref name="just_">{{Cite web |title=Settlement Agreement (PDF) |work=justice.gov |date=10 Feb 2017 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://www.justice.gov/usao-edca/press-release/file/939401/download}}</ref>

===Lobbying and political influence===
In 2007, the ''[[Las Vegas Sun]]'' noted SNC was "adept at targeting campaign contributions at elected officials who can help it", also noting its active Sierra Nevada PAC, which was created in July 2001.<ref name="lasv_Fati" /><ref name="open_Sier">{{Cite web |title=Sierra Nevada Corp Summary {{!}} OpenSecrets |work=opensecrets.org |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/lookup2.php?strID=C00367995}}</ref><ref name="docq_COMM">{{Cite web |title=Committee Details for Committee ID C00367995 |work=docquery.fec.gov |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/fecimg/?C00367995}}</ref><ref name="docq_">{{Cite web |title=STATEMENT OF ORGANIZATION |work=docquery.fec.gov |date=26 July 2001 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://docquery.fec.gov/pdf/467/21037223467/21037223467.pdf#navpanes=0}}</ref>

In 2004, then-Nevada house representative and Armed Services Committee member [[Jim Gibbons (American politician)|Jim Gibbons]] promoted SNC to receive a $4 million no-bid helicopter technology development contract. In the same timeframe, SNC was making political consulting payments to Jim Gibbons' wife, Dawn Gibbons. Dawn was also paid by Jim's political campaign, and a nonprofit set up by the couple also paid Dawn money. These payments were exposed in 2007 by ''The Wall Street Journal'', who also said a grand jury had convened for this and another corporation Gibbons had been entangled with.<ref name="theh_Defe">{{Cite web |title=Taxpayers for Common Sense: Defense Earmarks Abound in Nevada |work=The Hill |date=2 April 2007 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/politics/28652-defense-earmarks-abound-in-nevada}}</ref><ref name="wsj1">{{Cite web |title=Nevada Company's Capitol Ties |last=Wilke |first=John R. |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=30 March 2007 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB117521830609454045 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200523043704/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB117521830609454045 |archive-date=23 May 2020 }}</ref><ref name="nyti_Form">{{Cite web |title=Former Congressman's Wife Worked for Contract Winner |work=The New York Times |date=31 March 2007 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/31/washington/31gibbons.html |quote=In 2004, Mrs. Gibbons was paid as a consultant by the Sierra Nevada Corporation of Sparks, Nev., which received a no-bid contract that year to help develop technology to improve helicopter landing systems in desert conditions. The payments from Sierra Nevada were made to Politek Inc., a political consulting firm founded by Mrs. Gibbons, a former Nevada state legislator. The Journal reported that Politek's biggest client was her husband's 2004 re-election campaign, which paid the firm more than $93,000. }}</ref>

In 2009, SNC was tied to lobbying scandals from the [[PMA Group]] and Indiana congressman and [[United States House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense|House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense]] member [[Pete Visclosky]]. SNC paid PMA Group $280,000 in 2006 for lobbying, and PMA was exposed in a large lobbying scandal. A grand jury summoned Visclosky for documents and later declined to charge him. He was also cleared by the [[House Ethics Committee]], though Visclosky declined to be interviewed by the committee, and there were "troubling aspects" uncovered in the probe. An email from SNC's Dave Klinger justified their requested contribution amounts to Visclosky, stating "He has been a good supporter of SNC. We have gotten over 10M in [earmarks]". Referring to the Klinger email, [[Steven V. Roberts]] and [[Cokie Roberts]] called the PMA/SNC relationship "a bribe by any other name".<ref name="azda_Abri">{{Cite web |title=A bribe by any other name |last1=Steve |last2=Roberts |first2=Cokie |work=Arizona Daily Sun |date=11 March 2010 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://azdailysun.com/news/opinion/columnists/article_90124e89-e1df-5377-ae3b-0ef3a796fc86.html |quote='Bribe' is a hard term to define legally. But we know a payoff when we see one. And that e-mail exchange could not have been clearer: Sierra Nevada delivers for Visclosky because Visclosky delivers for Sierra Nevada. }}</ref><ref name="publ_Hous">{{Cite web |title=House ethics panel clears 'Murtha Method' representatives |author=Nick Schwellenbach |work=Center for Public Integrity |date=26 February 2010 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://publicintegrity.org/2010/02/26/2722/house-ethics-panel-clears-murtha-method-representatives |quote=Nick Schwellenbach }}</ref><ref name="wsj._Lawm">{{Cite web |title=Lawmaker Subpoenaed in Lobby Probe |last1=Bendavid |first1=Naftali |last2=Davis |first2=Susan |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=30 May 2009 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124362015474866997?mod=googlenews_wsj |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200523045757/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124362015474866997?mod=googlenews_wsj |archive-date=23 May 2020 }}</ref><ref name="web._Wayb">{{Cite web |title=111th Congress, 2nd Session U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Standards of Official Conduct in the Matter of Allegations Relating to the Lobbying Activities of Paul Magliocchetti and Associates Group, Inc. (PMA) |author=Zoe Lofgren |date=26 February 2010 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url=https://ethics.house.gov/Media/PDF/PMA%20Final%20Report.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110303061125/https://ethics.house.gov/Media/PDF/PMA%20Final%20Report.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 March 2011 }}</ref><ref name="lasv_Fati">{{Cite web |title=Fatih Ozmen: Mystery man behind Sierra Nevada |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=8 April 2007 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://lasvegassun.com/news/2007/apr/08/fatih-ozmen-mystery-man-behind-sierra-nevada/ |quote=Most of the money went to the PMA Group, a mammoth lobbying firm in Washington founded by Paul Magliocchetti, formerly a top staffer on the House Appropriations defense subcommittee. Lockheed Martin, Boeing and dozens of other major defense contractors are on PMA's list of clients. Sierra Nevada, records show, has been among the firm's highest-paying clients the past two years, having paid it $280,000 last year. }}</ref><ref name="nyti_Lawm">{{Cite web |title=Lawmaker Said to Surface in Lobbying Inquiry |author=David D. Kirkpatrick |author2=Charlie Savage |work=The New York Times |date=3 April 2009 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/04/us/politics/04pma.html |quote=The Capitol Hill publication Roll Call reported two years ago that of the center's seven charter tenants, five were PMA clients whose employees contribute heavily to Mr. Visclosky's campaigns. Of the five, only NuVant Systems, a fuel cell company started by a chemistry professor, had its headquarters in Mr. Visclosky's district. Two others – the Sierra Nevada Corporation, based in Nevada, and ProLogic, based in West Virginia - are each also reported to be embroiled in federal investigations involving their earmarks. (The center has now signed more than a dozen other non-PMA clients.) }}</ref><ref name="nyti_Pane">{{Cite web |title=Panel Clears 7 Lawmakers in Lobbying Scandal |author1=Eric Lichtblau |author2=David D. Kirkpatrick |work=The New York Times |date=26 February 2010 |access-date=22 May 2020 |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/27/us/politics/27webinquire.html |quote=For instance, executives at the Sierra Nevada Corporation made a series of donations to Mr. Visclosky after getting earmarks for the company. When a company executive asked why the business was contributing an additional $20,000, a second executive responded in a 2007 e-mail message: 'That's what each of the companies working with PMA and Visclosky have been asked to contribute. He has been a good supporter of SNC. We have gotten over 10M in adds from him,' he wrote, referring to the earmarks Sierra Nevada received. }}</ref>

=== Wuhan Virology Institute report ===

In 2020, SNC's Multi-Agency Collaboration Environment (MACE) group produced a report shared among the Department of Defense and Congress attempting to demonstrate that the [[Wuhan Institute of Virology]] shut down for several days in October, providing evidence for the [[COVID-19 lab leak theory]].<ref name="NBC2020">{{cite news |last1=Dilanian |first1=Ken |last2=Arrow |first2=Ruaridh |last3=Kube |first3=Courtney |last4=Lee |first4=Carol E. |last5=Jones |first5=Louise |last6=Bodo |first6=Lorand |title=Report says data suggests shutdown at China lab, but experts skeptical |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/report-says-cellphone-data-suggests-october-shutdown-wuhan-lab-experts-n1202716 |access-date=24 December 2021 |work=NBC News |date=8 May 2020 |language=en}}</ref> The report's evidence was based on patterns of cellphone location data around the WIV during the time period.<ref name="NBC2020"/> Similar arguments had been labeled inconclusive by Western intelligence agencies after additional analysis based on satellite imagery.<ref name="NBC2020"/>

The report came under heavy criticism and was the subject of a rebuttal in ''[[The Daily Beast]]'', which pointed out that the shifting patterns in cell phone data were easily explained by observable road construction.<ref name="DB">{{cite news |last1=Banco |first1=Erin |last2=Cartwright |first2=Lachlan |last3=Rawnsley |first3=Adam |title=Busted: Pentagon Contractors' Report on 'Wuhan Lab' Origins of Virus Is Bogus |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/pentagon-contractors-report-on-wuhan-lab-origins-of-coronavirus-is-bogus |access-date=24 December 2021 |work=The Daily Beast |date=18 May 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="BI2020">{{cite news |last1=Bostock |first1=Bill |title=A report circulating in Congress, which claims that China covered up a virus leak from a Wuhan lab, has been debunked |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-pentagon-contractor-report-wuhan-lab-leak-debunked-daily-beast-2020-5 |access-date=24 December 2021 |work=Business Insider |date=18 May 2020}}</ref> The rebuttal also noted that the report relied on extremely small sample numbers (some as small as seven cell phones for an institute with hundreds of employees).<ref name="DB"/> Intelligence and health specialists interviewed by NBC were broadly skeptical of the report, the outlet reported,<ref name="NBC2020"/> as were Congressional staffers quoted by ''[[The Daily Beast]]''.<ref name="DB"/>

==Dates of acquisitions==
{{Private spaceflight}}

* ORBITEC (July 2014)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexknapp/2014/06/21/sierra-nevada-corporation-to-acquire-orbital-technologies/ |title=Sierra Nevada Corporation To Acquire Orbital Technologies |work=Forbes |date=2014-06-21 |access-date=2015-06-18}}</ref>
* 3S Engineering (September 2012)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/01/idUS158762+01-Oct-2012+BW20121001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714205239/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/01/idUS158762+01-Oct-2012+BW20121001 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-07-14 |title=Sierra Nevada Corporation Acquires 3S Engineering |publisher=Reuters |date=2012-10-01 |access-date=2015-06-18}}</ref>
* SpaceDev, Inc. (December 2008)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ncet.org/sierra-nevada-corporation-signs-agreement-to-acquire-space-technology-company-spacedev-inc/ |title=Sierra Nevada Corporation Signs Agreement to Acquire Space Technology Company SpaceDev, Inc. |publisher=NCET |date=2008-10-31 |access-date=2015-06-18 |archive-date=2016-04-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407105853/http://ncet.org/sierra-nevada-corporation-signs-agreement-to-acquire-space-technology-company-spacedev-inc/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* MicroSat Systems, Inc. (January 2008)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.satellitetoday.com/telecom/2008/01/10/microsat-to-become-wholly-owned-subsidiary-of-snc/ |title=MicroSat To Become Wholly Owned Subsidiary Of SNC - Via Satellite |publisher=Satellitetoday.com |date=2008-01-10 |access-date=2015-06-18}}</ref>
* WaveBand Corporation (May 2005)<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11929&page=320 |title=An Assessment of the SBIR Program at the National Science Foundation |year=2007 |publisher=Nap.edu |doi=10.17226/11929 |pmid=20669429 |isbn=978-0-309-10487-6 |access-date=2015-06-18 |last1=Wessner |first1=C. W. }}</ref>
* Turtle Mountain Communications, Inc. (June 2003)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.privco.com/mergers-acquisitions/sierra-nevada-corporation-acquires-turtle-mountain-communications-inc-june-2003?pdf=1 |title=Acquisition (June 2003) |publisher=PrivCo |access-date=2015-06-18 |archive-date=2016-02-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204223241/http://www.privco.com/mergers-acquisitions/sierra-nevada-corporation-acquires-turtle-mountain-communications-inc-june-2003?pdf=1 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Plano Microwave, Inc. (October 2001)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=awxZChBUzc2A |title=9th Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards Takes Flight |publisher=Bloomberg |access-date=2015-06-18}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Companies|Nevada}}
* [[SpaceDev]]
* [[NewSpace]]
* [[Top 100 US Federal Contractors]]
* [[SpaceX]]
* [[Rocketplane Kistler|Kistler]]
* [[Thor III]]
* [[Blue Origin]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.sncorp.com/ Sierra Nevada Corporation website]

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Aerospace companies of the United States]]
[[Category:American companies established in 1963]]
[[Category:Companies based in Sparks, Nevada]]
[[Category:Defense companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Electronics companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Private spaceflight companies]]
[[Category:Privately held companies based in Nevada]]
[[Category:Rocket engine manufacturers of the United States]]
[[Category:Space Act Agreement companies]]