Reliable Robotics, a prominent provider of aircraft automation systems, has achieved a significant milestone in aviation technology by successfully conducting the first-ever uncrewed flight of a Cessna 208B Caravan. Supervised remotely from Reliable’s control center located 50 miles away, the flight marks a pivotal moment in the application of advanced safety technologies within the aviation industry.
This feat showcases Reliable’s autonomous flight system, which allows remote operation of the aircraft throughout all stages of operation, including taxiing, takeoff, and landing. The system is designed to enhance safety by employing multiple layers of redundancy and advanced navigation technologies, aiming to mitigate risks associated with fatal aviation accidents, particularly controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) and loss of control in flight (LOC-I).
Collaborating closely with Textron Aviation Inc., known for its Beechcraft, Cessna, and Hawker brands, as well as Textron eAviation focusing on sustainable aviation, Reliable Robotics demonstrated the capabilities of their autonomous technology with the successful uncrewed flight of the Cessna Caravan.
The uncrewed flight underlines the pivotal role of aircraft like the Cessna Caravan in connecting communities and facilitating time-sensitive cargo deliveries to regions with limited service access. ASL Aviation Holdings, a global aviation services company collaborating with Reliable Robotics since 2022, aims to integrate advanced aircraft automation into its operations to enhance cargo delivery services to underserved areas.
Moreover, Reliable Robotics is working with the U.S. Air Force to explore the potential adaptation of remote piloting technology from the Cessna Caravan to larger multi-engine aircraft for various missions, including cargo logistics and aerial refueling. These efforts align with the Air Force’s focus on enabling agile and cost-effective capability transitions.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) formally accepted the certification plan for Reliable’s autonomous flight system in June 2023. Leveraging existing regulations without requiring special conditions or exemptions, this progress positions Reliable Robotics to deliver aircraft automation systems that prioritize safety and compliance with established aviation standards.
