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Xwing Flies Cessna Caravan Autonomously

Xwing says it’s the first company to autonomously operate an aircraft in the Caravan category. [Courtesy: Xwing]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Xwing has emerged from stealth mode, announcing successful autonomous passenger-carrying flights from takeoff to landing using its "Autoflight System" on a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan.
  • The Autoflight System retrofits existing aircraft to navigate, take off, and land autonomously, with flights remotely supervised by operators.
  • Having obtained a Part 135 Air Carrier certificate, Xwing plans to launch commercial cargo operations, aiming to increase aircraft utilization threefold and achieve 20-30% cost savings for the logistics industry.
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After operating in stealth mode for the last four years, San Francisco-based Xwing said in a news release last week it has carried out a number of passenger-carrying flights from takeoff to landing using a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan. Xwing’s Autoflight System retrofits existing aircraft into optionally piloted vehicles, “by integrating with onboard flight control systems that allow the aircraft to navigate, take off and land autonomously, ensuring more cost-effective operations for logistic companies.” The system is designed to be supervised by remote operators who work with air traffic controllers to ensure safety throughout the flight.

Rob Mark

Rob Mark is an award-winning journalist, business jet pilot, flight instructor, and blogger.

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