Autonomous Flight

In-flight demonstrations will take place in the next year, starting with a series of basic air refueling operations, the company said.

Many passenger-carrying electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft are expected to cost millions to produce, but EHang will sell its EH216-S for far less.

The Chinese manufacturer made commercial demonstration flights in two cities, marking the first passenger-carrying eVTOL trips.

Reliable’s remotely piloted aircraft technology relies on a continuous autopilot system, which allows flights to be operated from miles away.

Xwing and Daedalean—which both produce automated systems for the cockpit—will collaborate on the development of certification standards.

The company said it was the first to complete public eVTOL flight demonstrations in Los Angeles County.

Reliable Robotics was contracted earlier this year to explore the feasibility of automating operations of large, multiengine jets, such as the KC-135 Stratotanker.

The Lockheed Martin-owned helicopter manufacturer will allow Rain to install autonomous systems on board its optionally piloted Black Hawk.

Get an update on FAA rulemaking, DJI’s new delivery drone, an ex-Wisk Aero executive’s latest move, and more in this week’s Future of FLYING newsletter.

The company flew its continuous autopilot system aboard a modified Cessna 208 Caravan, including in simulated Class B airspace.