The aircraft was supervised by a pilot in a control centre 50 miles away using Reliable Robotics’ autonomous flight system that enables aircraft to be remotely operated on the ground and improves safety by fully automating taxi, take-off and landing operations.
The system is aircraft agnostic and has multiple layers of redundancy and advanced navigation technology to make uncrewed flights possible.
It will prevent controlled flight into terrain and loss of control in flight, which account for the majority of fatal aviation accidents.
The Cessna Caravan is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation and is a popular regional cargo aircraft serving remote communities.
Chris Hearne, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Programs at Textron Aviation, says, “Textron Aviation is committed to delivering continuous aviation improvements and our relationship with Reliable Robotics advances this work. Reliable’s successful flight of an uncrewed Cessna 208 Caravan represents a milestone for the industry in bringing new technology to aviation.”
In June this year, the Federal Aviation Administration accepted the certification plan for Reliable Robotics’ flight system, which uses existing regulations for normal and transport aircraft, and does not require any special conditions or exemptions.