Why Aviation Automation Still Hasn’t Reached Small Planes
Self-flying planes are closer than most aviation and freight pros think. Reliable Robotics CEO Robert Rose breaks down why small aircraft still operate with outdated systems, what true aviation automation requires, and where autonomous cargo aircraft fit in the supply chain. Rose shares how his time at SpaceX shaped his approach to safety, software and […] The post Why Aviation Automation Still…
Reliable Robotics, an autonomous aviation startup founded by a former SpaceX software engineer, has raised over $400 million to certify pilotless cargo aircraft under a FAA-approved roadmap. The company is modifying Cessna Caravans for its autonomous flight systems and completed its first demonstration flights at Albuquerque Sunport.
The autonomous system uses 220-degree radar and ACAS X collision avoidance and requires no manual override or remote joystick for ground operators. There will be no point-to-point flights between Albuquerque and Santa Fe until next year, and the company aims to operate fully autonomous flights even if communications are lost. The FAA is considering legislation to mandate ACAS X across the commercial fleet, with the goal of extending it to general aviation.
Reliable Robotics is currently focused on Part 23 aircraft in Part 135 operations and sees automation rolling out incrementally.
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