In a significant step towards enhancing aviation safety and efficiency, Reliable Robotics has recently completed a series flight tests that demonstrated its remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) in congested airspace.
This achievement comes as a part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Urban Air Mobility Airspace Management Demonstration (UAMD), an endeavor that aims to revolutionize air travel in urban areas.
The tests were conducted in collaboration with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) and included a week-long series of flights in the skies of Northern California.
Pioneering RPAS Integration
Reliable Robotics’ flight tests have illuminated the potential of new aircraft systems to seamlessly interact with third-party service providers and harmoniously integrate into forthcoming airspace environments.
This landmark achievement has provided invaluable data that will shape the landscape of future operations in aviation.
Diana Liang, Enterprise Portfolio Manager at the FAA, underlines the significance of these tests by affirming that they have spotlighted the prowess of new aircraft systems to adapt and coexist within evolving airspaces.
A Glimpse into the Test Construct
The test construct meticulously orchestrated by Reliable Robotics underscored the company’s technical expertise.
It showcased the flawless execution of vectoring, airspeed diverts, and the ability to navigate varying simulated weather conditions while operating within simulated Class B airspace.
OneSky, a third-party service provider, played a pivotal role in this endeavor by acting as a conduit for sharing automated aircraft telemetry data between Reliable’s control center and the FAA’s NextGen Integration & Evaluation Capability (NIEC) research lab. This collaborative effort facilitated a seamless flow of crucial information and insights.
Validation from FAA and Air Traffic Controllers
The significance of this achievement was further accentuated by the active involvement of FAA air traffic controllers during the tests. Their participation added real-world context to the simulations, thus lending a practical dimension to the experimentation.
Their observations and inputs provided the FAA’s NextGen program office with essential validation and insights, contributing to the development of the UAM Conops 2.0. This collaboration underscores the commitment of all stakeholders to create an aviation ecosystem that is safe, efficient, and accommodating of new aircraft systems.
Envisioning the Future of Aviation
Davis Hackenberg, VP of Government Partnerships at Reliable Robotics, expressed optimism about the implications of such collaborations. He emphasized that partnerships with regulatory bodies like the FAA serve as stepping stones towards realizing the future of mobility.
The successful operation of Reliable’s automated aircraft system in a live test environment is indeed a remarkable achievement that sets the stage for the integration of large uncrewed aircraft. This accomplishment is a testament to the industry’s collective efforts to reimagine and reshape the future of aviation.
Aviation Safety and Continuous Autopilot Engagement
One of the most promising outcomes of Reliable Robotics’ remotely piloted aircraft (RPAS) system is its potential to significantly enhance aviation safety.
By enabling continuous autopilot engagement throughout critical phases such as taxi, takeoff, and landing, the system addresses common causes of accidents, including controlled flight into terrain and loss of control.
These advancements mark a pivotal moment in aviation history, where technological innovation converges with safety imperatives to create a more secure and efficient flying experience.
A Certified Milestone
The recognition of Reliable Robotics’ automated aircraft endeavors came to fruition in June when the FAA formally accepted the company’s certification plan.
This formal acknowledgment underscores the regulatory body’s confidence in the capabilities and advancements brought forth by Reliable Robotics. It also serves as an affirmation of the collaborative efforts between various stakeholders in reshaping the future of aviation.