Articles from Reliable Robotics

Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous aviation, today announced its work with the United States Air Force (USAF) to support the buildout of key capabilities for Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP). Under a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA), Reliable and the USAF will collaborate on the Autonomy-Government Reference Architecture (A-GRA)–USAF’s autonomy architecture extensible to multiple platforms and missions–to ensure the architecture benefits from Reliable’s recent advancements in low-cost, high-reliability commercial autonomy.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous aircraft systems, today announced the appointment of Marc Stoll as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Stoll brings a wealth of experience in financial leadership, operational excellence, and strategic growth from his previous roles as Partner at Eclipse Ventures, President and COO of Nextiva and VP of Finance at Apple. His expertise will be instrumental in guiding Reliable Robotics through its next phase of development, commercialization and scale.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous aircraft systems, today announced that General Richard D. Clarke (ret.), who served as the Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), and General Mike Minihan (ret.), the former Commander of Air Mobility Command (AMC), have joined the company in advisory roles. These former senior military leaders will also serve on Reliable’s Defense Advisory Board, which focuses on bringing dual-use aircraft autonomy to the United States military as quickly as possible.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous aircraft systems, today announced the award of competitive funding under the AFWERX Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) program for the United States Department of the Air Force (USAF). This TACFI funding is an extension of prior Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) efforts and has opportunities to expand further in the future. The funding will be used to perform additional flights for representative military missions in a UAS (Uncrewed Aircraft System) configuration.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous aircraft systems, today announced that it recently completed a series of automated missions across airfields in California and Nevada for the Department of the Air Force. In conjunction with Air Combat Command, Reliable demonstrated aircraft automation capabilities as part of the Agile Flag 24-3 exercise transporting cargo between military bases and airports, some hundreds of miles apart, on demand over the course of a week. The exercise was designed to be representative of the Indo-Pacific region, demanding agility, readiness and multi-domain operations.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in safety-enhancing aircraft automation systems, today announced completion of a KC-135 Stratotanker Automation Study for the U.S. Air Force (USAF). The study was commissioned by the USAF as part of a Small Business Innovation Research Phase III contract to examine in detail how Reliable’s aircraft-agnostic autonomous flight system would be integrated into large multi-engine aircraft. Most significantly, findings from the KC-135 Automation Report further validated that Reliable’s commercially developed technology can be scaled to automate all phases of KC-135 operation including taxi, takeoff and landing, while continuing to mature automation of the refueling boom. The report was presented to senior Air Mobility Command (AMC) leadership earlier this year.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous aircraft systems, today announced it was approved to participate in the 2024 AFWERX Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) program for the United States Department of the Air Force (USAF). TACFI is designed to “bridge the capability gap” between current Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) efforts to facilitate the delivery of strategic capabilities for the Department of the Air Force. Reliable was competitively chosen for award from a large list of providers during the funding evaluation.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous aircraft systems, today announced that it was shortlisted as one of four contenders for the 2023 Robert J. Collier Trophy. The prestigious industry award has been presented annually by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) for over a century to the most innovative programs, companies and individuals that demonstrate “the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, with respect to improving the performance, efficiency and safety of air or space vehicles” during the prior year.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous aircraft systems, today announced that it has completed a demonstration for the Department of the Air Force's AFWERX Autonomy Prime branch. In conjunction with the Air Combat Command branch of the U.S. Air Force's AGILE FLAG exercise, Reliable demonstrated its autonomous flight system for intra-theater military logistics. Reliable’s autonomous flight system includes an “always on” autopilot which handles all phases of aircraft operation including autotaxi, autotakeoff, autoflight and autoland.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in safety-enhancing aircraft automation systems, today announced further certification progress with FAA acceptance of requirements for Reliable’s advanced aircraft navigation and autopilot systems. These systems provide continuous autopilot engagement throughout all phases of flight including automatic taxi, takeoff, and landing. In an industry-leading first, Reliable Robotics and the FAA established agreement on the testing and analysis that will be performed to show that these highly automated systems satisfy FAA safety and performance requirements for operations throughout the conterminous United States and Alaska.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous aircraft systems, today announced that it has received military airworthiness approval to begin flight testing and operational missions of its remotely piloted Cessna 208 Caravan for the U.S. Air Force. This approval signifies a deeper level of engagement with the Department of Defense (DoD) by enabling Reliable to demonstrate dual-use automated flight capabilities for military use cases, including cargo missions.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous aircraft systems, today announced the addition of Marc Pos to lead radar design, filling a key part of its aircraft-agnostic Airspace Integration Solution plans. Reliable Robotics is developing a solution to enable the safe, secure and efficient integration of remotely piloted aircraft - crewed or uncrewed - in the National Airspace System (NAS). In his role as Senior Fellow, Pos will focus on the industry-wide challenge of certifying Detect and Avoid (DAA) systems capable of detecting and tracking all airspace users, regardless of whether or not they are equipped with a transponder. Radar is the only all-weather, non-cooperative sensor for DAA and no existing airborne radar currently enables commercial aircraft considering size, weight, power and cost drivers.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in safety-enhancing aircraft automation systems, has made significant progress towards a working autonomy solution for the U.S. Air Force. Reliable’s automation system enables continuous autopilot engagement through all phases of aircraft operation, including taxi, takeoff and landing with a remote pilot supervising operations. Remotely operating large multi-engine Air Force jets like the KC-135 Stratotanker will enable higher aircraft utilization, more frequent deployment and almost continuous operation to fly further distances unimpeded by crew repositioning logistics. As part of an Air Force-funded contract to examine automation of large aircraft for reduced crew and uncrewed solutions, Reliable Robotics conducted detailed analyses of the applicability of its Remotely Operated Aircraft System (ROAS) to advance cargo logistics and refueling capacity.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in safety-enhancing aircraft automation systems, today announced its certification plan was formally accepted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Reliable autonomous flight system enables continuous autopilot engagement through all phases of aircraft operation including taxi, takeoff and landing. This landmark achievement marks unrivaled progress towards the certification of fully automated aircraft.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in safety-enhancing aircraft automation systems, and Azul Airlines, Brazil’s largest airline, today announced an agreement to work towards the adoption of advanced automation systems in the Azul network. These automation systems will improve aviation safety, on-time performance and connectivity in South America.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in safety-enhancing aircraft automation systems, provided a demonstration during the recent Golden Phoenix readiness exercise at Travis Air Force Base (AFB). This exercise demonstrated capabilities that will help the United States Air Force (USAF) modernize and project safe, rapid, global mobility. During the flight, Reliable’s remotely operated aircraft system was engaged for an end-to-end automated mission including auto-taxi, auto-takeoff, climbout and auto-landing with an onboard test pilot.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in safety-enhancing aircraft automation systems, today announced the addition of Davis Hackenberg as Vice President of Government Partnerships. Hackenberg’s previous role defining and driving the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) collaboration with industry aligns with Reliable’s dedication to partnering with research organizations, civil government stakeholders and regulators in the U.S. and around the world. His extensive experience in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) enables him to translate business demand into technology products.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in safety-enhancing aircraft automation systems and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), today announced the completion of flight tests to substantiate the use of existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) primary surveillance radar (PSR) data to improve the safety of the National Airspace System (NAS). Reliable Robotics has been working with NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility National Campaign since 2021 to advance the safe, secure and efficient integration of remotely piloted aircraft systems. Of note – the FAA granted NASA limited access to PSR data for these specific flights conducted by Reliable Robotics – a step towards utilizing existing radar infrastructure for Detect and Avoid (DAA) systems.

Reliable Airlines, a cargo airline based in Albuquerque today announced the addition of Tom Klassen as President and Director of Operations to support the growth of operations and future integration of safety-enhancing systems developed by its parent company, Reliable Robotics. The airline team has established a safety management system and operational procedures and has a proven record of safety, 100% flight completion and 99.9% dispatch reliability, earning the airline more routes in New Mexico.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in safety-enhancing aviation technologies, celebrated the opening of a new engineering and development center at its headquarters with Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, top local elected officials, and representatives from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) yesterday. The expansion was marked with a ribbon cutting ceremony and remarks from Congresswoman Eshoo, and California State Senator Josh Becker highlighting innovation in the region.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in safety-enhancing aircraft automation systems, today announced a United States Air Force contract to explore the automation of large, multi-engine jets. This study will include a feasibility assessment of full and limited aircraft automation features for cargo operations. Remotely piloted aircraft will enable the Air Force to increase mission tempo worldwide and leverage a certifiable commercial solution for defense industry needs at fractional costs and extend aircraft capabilities.

Global aviation services provider ASL Aviation Holdings, and Reliable Robotics Corporation, a leader in autonomous aircraft systems today announced a collaboration to explore the use of automated aircraft. Together, the companies will select a suitable aircraft for Reliable’s Remotely Operated Aircraft System with initial focus on large twin engine turboprop freighters.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in safety-enhancing systems for aircraft, today announced the addition of esteemed industry veterans Captain Lee Moak and Steve Alterman to its Advisory Board. Moak and Alterman join as Reliable achieves a major certification milestone with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acceptance of its G-1 issue paper, defining the certification basis for the company’s Supplemental Type Certificate on the Cessna 208 Caravan, a popular cargo aircraft. Moak and Alterman have a combined 90-plus years of aviation industry experience, and both have served on the FAA’s Management Advisory Council (MAC), including a period of overlap working together from 2014 to 2017, overseeing management, policy, spending and regulatory affairs for the agency.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous aircraft systems, today announced a Phase III Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to further demonstrate the performance and safety of remotely piloted aircraft in more operating environments. Reliable has now won sequential Phase I, Phase II and Phase III SBIR contracts from the government to advance autonomous capabilities for existing aircraft. With this most recent award, Reliable will build on its set of autonomy solutions to optimize aircraft control under a broad range of contingencies, and then test them in a series of flight test campaigns.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous aircraft systems, today announced the addition of Scott O’Brien to drive legislative and advocacy efforts. O’Brien brings 18 years of wide-ranging experience in grassroots initiatives, legislative strategy and public policy analysis to his new role as Vice President of Legislative Affairs. He will focus on creating an ecosystem to advance aviation safety through airborne autonomy and remotely piloted aircraft, key enablers of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Near-term, O’Brien will represent Reliable before Capitol Hill and the Administration, along with industry associations to prioritize safety technologies that will prevent common aviation accidents.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous aircraft systems and Kenya-based airline Astral Aviation, today announced a strategic collaboration with the goal of enhancing aviation safety and increasing air cargo connectivity in sub-Saharan Africa through the use of automated aircraft. Africa is poised for economic and trade growth, but held back by challenges related to the safety, speed and cost of transportation, including limited intra-African air services. The companies will work together to develop operational, regulatory and business plans to launch automated aircraft operations in sub-Saharan Africa.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous aircraft systems, today announced that the certification basis of its advanced navigation and autoflight system has been accepted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The final G-1 issue paper defines the certification basis for the company’s Supplemental Type Certification (STC) on the Cessna 208 Caravan, a popular cargo aircraft. This STC will enhance safety by enabling continuous autopilot engagement through all phases of aircraft operation, including taxi, takeoff, cruise, landing, braking and rollout, with a single pilot on board for abnormal procedures.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous aircraft systems, today announced the addition of Brandon Suarez in a newly created role of Vice President of UAS Integration, where he will drive the development and adoption of technical standards and global aviation policy for the company. Suarez takes on a strategic, multi-faceted position at Reliable where he will focus on defining key aspects of the development roadmap, including airspace integration and international operational approval. He will also support the company’s product strategy plans and future aircraft programs. Suarez is an instrument-rated commercial pilot and is actively involved in the greater aviation community, holding key industry roles.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous aircraft systems, announced today the addition of Kevin Sagis as Senior Vice President and Chief Engineer. Sagis joins in a senior strategic and technical leadership role as the company accelerates its development program to certify its Remotely Operated Aircraft System. Sagis has over 30 years of design, development, manufacturing, test and operational experience for the commercial sector, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the Department of Defense (DoD). He has successfully taken multiple programs to flight, including specially modified aircraft and space launch vehicles.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous aircraft systems, announced today it was awarded an Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) contract to design, develop and test autonomous aircraft capabilities on Air Force platforms. As part of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II contract, Reliable Robotics will demonstrate how its aircraft agnostic design can be quickly adapted for new airframes through simulated and real-world flight tests. The autonomy upgrade will be capable of installation on a wide variety of aircraft.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous aircraft system development, today announced a joint agreement to advance repeatable, scalable and economically viable operations of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) with Vantis in North Dakota. The collaboration directly supports the North Dakota Department of Transportation’s participation in the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) BEYOND program for UAS.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in automated aircraft systems, today announced the appointments of David DeRose as Director of Finance and Lee Tomlinson as Director of Operations to the company’s fully owned Part 135 airline subsidiary in preparation for commercial cargo flights. DeRose and Tomlinson join Jeff Drees, Director of Cargo Strategy, to begin cargo services this year. Reliable Robotics will continue to grow its airline team and operational experience as part of a phased certification approach to bring its Remotely Operated Aircraft System and services to market.

Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous aircraft system development, today announced the addition of aerospace industry veteran Eric Schulz as the newest member of its Advisory Board. On a path towards certification and commercialization of its Remotely Operated Aircraft System and on the heels of recent funding, the company is ramping up recruiting global talent to its team. Schulz brings relevant commercial and operational expertise and joins the esteemed Advisory Board at Reliable Robotics alongside prominent aviation leaders:

Reliable Robotics, a leader in automated aircraft systems, announced today a $100 million Series C funding round led by Coatue Management. Coatue joins past investors Lightspeed Venture Partners, Eclipse Ventures, Teamworthy Ventures and Pathbreaker Ventures to bring total fundraising over $133 million. With its innovative airframe independent technology, Reliable’s Remotely Operated Aircraft System is designed to expand safe, flexible and efficient air transportation service to more locations. The capital raised enables the company to scale its team to support its first aircraft certification program and expedite the launch of commercial cargo operations.

Reliable Robotics announced today it was awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to determine how the company’s remotely operated aircraft system can support the United States Air Force (USAF). The company was chosen to participate in the program based on the technical merit and innovation of their approach to autonomous flight, as well as the qualifications of their team. Their automation technology is aircraft agnostic, allowing dual application on civil and USAF platforms, increasing mission readiness use and reducing potential loss of life in harsh environments.