Reliable Robotics, a startup that aims to enable uncrewed cargo flights, has successfully flown a Cessna 208B Caravan with no pilot on board. The flight, which took place at Hollister Municipal Airport in California, marked a milestone in the field of autonomous aviation.
The Cessna 208B Caravan, one of the world’s most widely used cargo planes, completed an entire flight with no one on board for the first time. The 12-minute test flight included taxi, takeoff, and landing without human intervention. The aircraft was monitored by a remote pilot at a control station about 50 miles from the airport in Mountain View.
Reliable Robotics retrofitted the aircraft’s computer systems to enable the autonomous flight. The company has researched extensively for many years to undertake safe and reliable unmanned flights. The manufacturer of Cessna Caravan, Textron Aviation, has been one of the collaborators on the project. Textron Aviation has sold over 3,000 Cessna Caravans, one of their leading product lines.
“We are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking achievement for autonomous aviation. The Cessna Caravan is a proven and versatile aircraft that is well-suited for a range of missions, including cargo delivery. We look forward to working with Reliable Robotics to explore the possibilities of this technology for the future of aviation,” said the Senior Vice President of Engineering and Programs at Textron Aviation.
The Cessna Caravan is essential in connecting small airports across the United States, transporting passengers and cargo of over 3,000 lbs. The ability to use the aircraft autonomously can open more doors in the future.
Reliable Robotics has also collaborated with ASL Aviation Holdings, a global aviation services company. With more than 150 aircraft operating under ASL’s brand, the company is exploring the potential for autonomous flights. These can be vital for transporting express and essential cargo within smaller urban communities.
“We are excited to partner with Reliable Robotics to explore the potential of autonomous flights for our fleet. We believe that this technology can enhance our operations and provide more efficient and reliable services to our customers, especially in remote and underserved areas,” said the CEO of ASL Aviation Holdings.
The United States Air Force (USAF) is working closely with Reliable Robotics to leverage research and development in autonomous aircraft. The AFWERX innovation program within the USAF is particularly interested in bringing commercial aircraft into autonomously supporting small cargo operations, aerial refueling, and other specialized missions.
“We are impressed by the progress that Reliable Robotics has made in developing and demonstrating autonomous flight capabilities for commercial aircraft. We see great value in applying this technology to support the Air Force’s missions and objectives. We are eager to collaborate with Reliable Robotics to advance the state of the art in autonomous aviation,” said the Director of AFWERX.
Reliable Robotics is developing its autonomous flight control system with the ultimate goal of enabling uncrewed cargo flights. The first iteration of this technology that the company plans to commercialize will be an advanced autopilot system for single-pilot operations in crewed aircraft. Continuous autopilot engagement reduces the pilot’s workload while making the aircraft safer and more efficient.
In July, the FAA formally approved Reliable Robotics’ certification plans for the supplemental type certificate (STC) it will need to begin retrofitting Cessna 208B Caravans with the advanced autopilot system. According to Reliable Robotics, the certification plans leverage existing regulations and do not require any special conditions or exemptions.
Reliable Robotics is developing its own air-to-air radar that the company says will be able to track all airspace users regardless of whether they have transponders. This radar system will enable the company to begin flight testing beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) without a pilot on board.
Relevant articles:
– A cargo plane flew 50 miles with no pilot onboard using a semi-automated system. An aviation expert says the technology could address the pilot shortage.
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– Reliable Robotics Flies Cessna Caravan Without A Pilot On Board
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