Reliable Robotics Advances Autonomy Solution for USAF Study

As part of a U.S. Air Force (USAF) funded contract to examine automation of large aircraft, Reliable Robotics analyzed the applicability of its Remotely Operated Aircraft System (ROAS) to advance cargo logistics and refueling capacity By Joseph Macey / 05 Oct 2023

Discover Leading Defense Technology Solutions

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Reliable Robotics Advances Autonomy Solution for U.S. Air Force Large Aircraft Automation Study
Follow DA

Reliable Robotics has made significant progress towards a working autonomy solution for the U.S. Air Force (USAF).

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

Remotely operating large multi-engine Air Force jets like the KC-135 Stratotanker will enable higher aircraft utilization, 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 solutions, Reliable Robotics conducted detailed analyses of the applicability of its Remotely Operated Aircraft System (ROAS) to advance cargo logistics and refueling capacity.

Reliable’s most recent report revealed three positive findings related to adapting the system for large U.S. Air Force aircraft:

  • The airframe examined can readily accommodate required system upgrades for remote operation with only modest adjustments for remote piloting and select refueling 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 significant 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 U.S. National Airspace System.

“At Reliable Robotics, we are obsessed with enabling previously unimaginable capabilities for the U.S. Air Force through autonomy,” said David O’Brien, Major General (Ret.), and Senior Vice President of Government Solutions 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.

Posted by Joseph Macey Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Enhancing GPS Security with Anti-Jamming System & M-Code Receiver Integration

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has integrated its ADA Anti-Jamming system with the M-code GPS receiver, enhancing GPS signal protection against evolving threats and ensuring reliable military performance

Feb 07, 2025
Advanced Sonobuoys to Enhance Anti-Submarine Warfare

Thales has signed a contract with the French Defence Procurement Agency to supply the French Navy with several hundred SonoFlash sonobuoys, designed to enhance France's strategic anti-submarine warfare capabilities

Feb 06, 2025
Creomagic Demonstrates Secure Backhaul Technology for Tactical Communications

Creomagic has successfully demonstrated a robust and secure backhaul solution for mobile LTE base stations, leveraging its CreoLand MANET technology in collaboration with a key defense partner

Feb 06, 2025
New Contract to Supply NVGs to British Armed Forces

Instro, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems UK, will supply additional XACT nv33 Night Vision Goggles to the British Armed Forces under a £16 million contract

Feb 06, 2025
Spectrum Control’s Solutions for Managing Electromagnetic Spectrum

Defense Advancement showcases Spectrum Control's solutions including SCi Blocks, RF Conditioning and Distribution, Power Distribution, and EMI Protection

Feb 06, 2025
FlySight to Make Aero India Exhibition Debut with Mission Console & Live ATR Demo

FlySight makes its Aero India debut, showcasing the OPENSIGHT Mission Console and live Automatic Target Recognition, demonstrating cutting-edge AI-driven target detection and mission management capabilities

Feb 05, 2025

Featured Content

Greensea IQ Expands Defense Leadership with Record Growth

After successful contracts for the Bayonet AUGV with the US Navy, US Marine Corps, and foreign militaries, Greensea IQ has closed a record-breaking year of growth in 2024

Jan 31, 2025
Latest Software Bundle Released for ISR Quadcopter

PDW CORE is the latest software package from PDW featuring a user-friendly touch interface, a PDW flight simulator, mission planning tools, an ATAK plug-in, and a laptop-compatible C100 updater

Jan 30, 2025
Revector’s Latest 4-Channel Covert Solution for Tactical Operations

Revector’s newly launched IMSI locator, the 4-channel Portable Covert Unit 2.0, delivers improved performance, flexibility, and rugged design, tailored for demanding security, defense, and search-and-rescue operations

Jan 27, 2025
Galvion Releases New Helmets for Military & SAR

Galvion is exhibiting new helmets at SHOT Show 2025 in Las Vegas, The Batlskin Hellbender TE (Tactical Edition) and the Batlskin Caiman SAR (Search and Rescue)

Jan 23, 2025
What is MIL-DTL-38999?

Micropol breaks down the definition, benefits, and roles of the MIL-DTL-38999 connector, a robust and reliable cornerstone in modern military and aerospace connectivity

Jan 21, 2025
Tyto Robotics Releases the Flight Stand 60 for Precision Testing

The Flight Stand 60 Engine Test Stand by Tyto Robotics offers a precise, versatile solution for testing internal combustion engines and propellers, providing detailed performance measurements and optimization capabilities

Jan 17, 2025