Reliable Robotics has secured a $17.4 million contract with the U.S. Air Force, marking a significant step forward in aircraft automation. The company will integrate its Reliable Autonomy System (RAS) into a Cessna 208B, demonstrating how autonomous technology can enhance both safety and efficiency.
General Mike Minihan, a retired Air Mobility Command commander, shared his perspective on the benefits of autonomous aircraft. According to him, these systems offer a strategic edge by enabling rapid, unpredictable logistics across dispersed hubs—a key element in the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment strategy. If you’ve ever faced the challenge of juggling multiple operational demands, you can appreciate the potential of this approach to reduce risk while expanding capabilities.
Reliable Robotics’ FAA-certifiable system promises a more flexible and cost-effective operation compared to traditional methods. By automating every phase of flight—from taxi and takeoff to in-flight navigation and landing—the RAS embeds multiple redundancy layers and advanced navigation technology to ensure a robust safety framework.
This latest agreement builds on Reliable Robotics’ history of collaboration with the Air Force. The company has previously teamed up on projects involving the Cessna 208B Caravan and the KC-135 Stratotanker, and it is now active in the Autonomy Government Reference Architecture (A-GRA) initiative, which seeks to develop a versatile autonomy framework for a range of platforms and missions.
Robert Rose, CEO and co-founder of Reliable Robotics, noted that this deployment marks an important step in rethinking military aviation mobility. His comments underline the focus on dual-use technology that serves both safety and operational needs.
Founded in 2017 and based in Mountain View, California, Reliable Robotics continues to refine its autonomous systems. The company aims to address core safety challenges in both commercial and defence sectors, pushing the boundaries of what aircraft automation can achieve.
