Reliable Robotics wants to apply its autopilot technology to bigger aircraft.
Reliable Robotics has completed a study for the U.S. Air Force examining retrofitting the service’s large multi-engine jets with its autonomous flight control technology and says only “modest” changes would be needed to accommodate its systems.
The study did not focus on any specific airframe, but the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is of particular interest and the study’s results were directly attributable to that aircraft, David O’Brien, senior vice president of government solutions at Reliable Robotics, said on Oct. 4.
Reliable Robotics is initially pursuing FAA certification for retrofitting and flying Cessna Caravans with its continuous autopilot engagement system. In July, the regulator formally approved a certification plan for the company’s autopilot. The startup is aiming to fly automated cargo operations using the Caravan in the U.S.
Reliable Robotics says its study shows retrofitting large, multi-engine aircraft would allow the U.S. Air Force to operate more efficiently and flexibly. For example, flying without pilots might allow the service to reduce its need to preposition crews around the world to relay large aircraft on long, multihop journeys.
Automation might also be useful for more dangerous missions, O’Brien says.
“Cargo transport and aerial refueling are well suited to automation, even in and around contested airspace,” he says. “Reliable’s system automates flight control surfaces and manages the flight control computers. The system can also be used to manage the refueling boom on the KC-135, for example, or be used to deploy and operate other refueling systems. Further feasibility work is required.”
Via its study, the company determined that only modest modifications are required to accommodate control surface actuators, flight computers and adjustments to flight control cabling.
“We don’t see any structural modifications required. All components fit within the confines of the existing airframe,” O’Brien says.
Reliable Robotics has no plans to demonstrate its autonomy technology on large U.S. Air Force aircraft as part of the study. The company plans to examine the study’s results over the next few months before determining next steps with the Air Force, O’Brien says.
Related Content
