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Air Force Signs Multiyear Deal With Reliable Robotics to Explore Aircraft Automation

The indefinite delivery indefinite quantity agreement gives the partners flexibility to develop and test systems as needed.

Jack Daleo

Monday, September 16, 2024 at 04:44 PM ET

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Edited By: tccjeremy

Reliable Robotics conducts an uncrewed flight of a Cessna 208B Caravan in November 2023. [Courtesy: Reliable Robotics]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Air Force signed a multiyear indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract with Reliable Robotics to explore and implement automation for its airlift and refueling aircraft.
Reliable Robotics' continuous autopilot system, designed to be aircraft-agnostic, covers all flight phases and aims to enhance safety and efficiency for remotely piloted operations.
The Air Force considers this automation a "mission critical capability" for longer, more cost-effective missions in contested environments, particularly in regions like the Indo-Pacific, while reducing aircrew needs.
This agreement builds on previous Air Force partnerships and funding, with Reliable Robotics having already received FAA acceptance for its certification requirements for its autonomous flight system.

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The U.S. Air Force on Monday signed onto a multiyear arrangement to explore the automation of its airlift and refueling aircraft.

Reliable Robotics, a developer of automated flight systems for remotely piloted operations, was awarded an indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract to retrofit Air Force aircraft with its continuous autopilot system, which is designed to be installed on any model.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.