The US Air Force has awarded $3.6 million to Reliable Robotics to conduct further test flights using its automated flight systems.
The award will help further Reliable Robotics’ work on military cargo missions using autonomous flight systems, while also advancing the commercial development of these systems to meet airworthiness standards set by both the Department of Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The funding comes from AFWERX’s Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) program, which supports small businesses in developing technologies for military use.
AFWERX official Lt. Col. Josh Fehd emphasized the air force’s need for highly reliable autonomous aircraft systems to support critical air logistics, operational readiness, and tactical air dominance.
Reliable’s Automation System
Reliable Robotics is the only company with an FAA-approved certification plan for full aircraft automation, including all necessary navigation and autopilot systems.
The company’s autonomous flight technology is built to meet strict FAA standards and integrate smoothly into the National Airspace System.
The aircraft-agnostic system incorporates redundancy, high-integrity navigation, and an “always on” autopilot that is engaged through all phases of operation for enhanced safety and reliability.
“These contracts have given us access to exercises that have allowed us to demonstrate our technology,” Reliable Robotics CEO Robert Rose shared with The Air Current.
Once the company gains full military approval, “the Department of Defense can just call on us whenever they want, and we can support them with autonomous flights anywhere,” Rose explained.
Matched Funding
Venture capital firm Eclipse Ventures provided matching funds to complement the TACFI award to Reliable Robotics.
“Eclipse believes in the dual-market application of aircraft autonomy and we are excited to provide the commercial matching funds to support this TACFI award for Reliable Robotics to further demonstrate autonomous capabilities for the Department of Defense,” said Eclipse Partner Greg Reichow.
“Reliable is leading the industry with the maturity of its autonomous flight technology, and has made unparalleled progress on certification with the Federal Aviation Administration.”
