Air Force a Step Closer to Automated Aircraft

Reliable Robotics has made what it says is “significant progress” toward an automation solution for the Air Force, enabling remote operation throughout an aircraft’s taxi, flight and landing. 

As part of an Air Force-funded contract to examine large aircraft automation, Reliable Robotics conducted several tests investigating the applicability of its Remotely Operated Aircraft System (ROAS) in large-scale aircraft.

According to Reliable Robotics, remote operation of large aircraft will enable more frequent aircraft deployment and longer flights “unimpeded by crew repositioning logistics.”

Reliable Robotics’ study found  three positive findings related to adapting the system for large U.S. Air Force aircraft.

The first was that ROAS can be deployed and upgraded on existing aircraft without requiring any major adjustments. The second was that large, remotely-operated military aircraft can see efficiency improvements and operational flexibility “equivalent to commercial operations” without having to manufacture new aircraft.

Finally, the report said the system can achieve the required levels of system reliability stipulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

“At Reliable Robotics, we are obsessed with enabling previously unimaginable capabilities for the U.S. Air Force through autonomy,” said David O’Brien, Reliable Robotics’ senior vice president of government solutions. “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 Robotics’ certification plan for ROAS was formally accepted by the FAA earlier this year.