The US Air Force has contracted Reliable Robotics to explore large, multi-engine aircraft automation.
The US company will assess full and limited aircraft automation feasibility for cargo operations.
Such automation is expected to enable the air force to increase its mission tempo worldwide with increased capabilities.
To Help Close Logistics Gaps
Col. Sean R. McClune said that Reliable’s capabilities “will help close logistical gaps so that the United States Air Force can execute their role within the joint warfighting concept.”
“We are interested in Reliable Robotics not only for their effectiveness in supporting the warfighter in contested logistics but also for their novel approach of outfitting legacy aircraft with cutting-edge automation kits,” he added.
“This is of great value to the US government because it will help solve the demand for short to medium-range point-to-point logistics without the need to manufacture new aircraft, which will ensure critical logistics are available at speed and scale to all regions of the country.”
Meanwhile, Reliable is developing a certifiable autopilot system with a remote pilot for supervision.