The US Air Force is now looking into autonomous flight systems to add to its arsenal after awarding a contract to Reliable Robotics to explore how to transform multi-engine transport jets into robotic aircraft, as per a press release.
The viability of both complete and partial aircraft automation features for cargo operations will be evaluated as part of the study.
Automating Multi-Engine Jet Aircraft
Reliable Robotics said that the Air Force will be able to speed up its missions globally with remotely piloted aircraft. It will also make a commercial solution for defense sector demands at fractional costs.
"We are interested in Reliable Robotics not only for their effectiveness in supporting the warfighter in Contested Logistics but also for their novel approach of outfitting legacy aircraft with cutting-edge automation kits," Col. Sean R McClune of the US Air Force said in a press release statement.
McClune said that this project is of significant value to the US government as it will address the demand for short to medium-range point-to-point logistics without creating new aircraft.
He adds that it will ensure critical logistics are accessible at speed and scale in all corners of the country.
With a remote pilot controlling operations, Reliable Robotics is building a certifiable system that allows for continuous autopilot engagement during all flight phases, including taxi, takeoff, and landing.
The partnership also aims to improve aircraft and environmental management, reliable flight controls for more safety, and sophisticated flight planning capabilities.
Once the Reliable Robotics' system is approved by the Federal Aircraft Administration (FAA), the company claims it will lessen the likelihood of deadly aviation accidents caused by common factors such as controlled flying into terrain and loss of control.
Additionally, it may increase safety because it will feature more advanced artificial intelligence systems and autonomous flight computers to better handle emergencies by instantly calculating alternate flight paths, as opposed to human pilots who would have to rely on themselves alone.
Autonomous Flight Systems
The goal of the new contract is to develop autonomous flight systems that can manage every aspect of flight while requiring humans for remote supervision.
Additionally, it will enable more accurate navigation, more powerful flight controls, and a superior capacity to fly the aircraft in a range of environmental conditions.
Dr. David O'Brien, senior vice president of government solutions at Reliable Robotics, said that their vision is to offer remote piloting capabilities to a wide variety of aircraft.
He notes that the contract will further advance their focus on automating large, multi-engine jet aircraft that would prove significant to the company's developmental roadmap.
Reliable Robotics was established in 2017 to provide safe, certified automation solutions for the commercial aviation sector. The company's system enables remote management for any aircraft.
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