California-based automation company Reliable Robotics is helping the US Air Force develop autonomous aircraft.

Reliable’s automation system enables continuous autopilot engagement through all phases of aircraft operation, including taxi, takeoff and landing, with remote pilot supervising operations.

Remotely operating large multi-engine Air Force jets such as the KC-135 Stratotanker should enable higher aircraft use, 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 options, Reliable Robotics conducted detailed analyses of the applicability of its Roas remotely operated aircraft system to advance cargo logistics and refuelling capacity.

Reliable’s most recent report reveals three positive findings related to adapting the system for large US Air Force aircraft:

• The airframe examined can readily accommodate required system upgrades for remote operation with only modest adjustments for remote piloting and select refuelling operations. Navigation and communications upgrades will support expected future military operating environments.
• Large remotely piloted military aircraft can gain efficiency improvements and operational flexibility equivalent to commercial operations without the need to manufacture new aircraft, providing the Air Force with financial advantage.
• The same levels of system reliability required under FAA certification, and designed into the Roas architecture and hardware, can be achieved when the system is flying on these larger airframes in the US National Airspace System.

“At Reliable Robotics, we are obsessed with enabling previously unimaginable capabilities for the US Air Force through autonomy,” said David O’Brien, senior vice president at Reliable Robotics. “Automating existing inventory at fractional costs will provide commanders unprecedented flexibility and safety in meeting acute operational demands with the smallest deployed human footprint.”

Reliable’s certification plan was formally accepted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) earlier this year. Once certified, the system will improve aviation safety with higher precision navigation, sophisticated flight planning capabilities and more robust flight controls with or without onboard crew.

Reliable Robotics (reliable.co) launched in 2017 to bring safe, certified automation systems to commercial aviation. The company’s system enables remote operation of any aircraft type. Reliable’s vision is to transform the way goods and people are moved around the planet with safer, more convenient and more affordable air transportation. The company is headquartered in Mountain View, California.