Revolutionising Aviation Safety with Detect and Avoid Technology
Reliable Robotics, an innovative player in autonomous aviation, has just received a substantial contract from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), underscoring their commitment to enhancing airspace safety.
The deal involves a rigorous series of data collection flights to refine their advanced Detect and Avoid (DAA) technology—an essential leap forward in the quest for seamless integration of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) into both controlled and uncontrolled airspaces.
At the heart of this initiative is Reliable’s cutting-edge Air-to-Air Radar (ATAR). This sophisticated technology forms a crucial component of their DAA system, designed to prevent mid-air collisions and ensure that uncrewed aircraft can safely coexist with piloted planes. The FAA’s confidence in Reliable Robotics stems from the system’s impressive Technical Readiness Level, positioning it as a leader in the DAA sector.
Uncrewed Aircraft Taking Flight
The world of aviation is undergoing a seismic shift as uncrewed systems gain traction in commercial and defence applications. But the key to their success lies in safety—and that’s precisely where Reliable Robotics comes in. Their DAA system is meticulously crafted to maintain a safe distance from other airborne vehicles, whether cooperative (piloted aircraft) or non-cooperative (drones or aircraft without active transponders).
But how exactly does it work? The system uses a dual strategy:
- Remain Well Clear (RWC): Ensuring that aircraft keep a safe distance from each other during regular operations.
- Collision Avoidance (CA): Issuing alerts and guidance to remote pilots in case of imminent threats.
During test flights scheduled for 2025, the DAA system will undergo rigorous evaluations. These flights will assess how effectively the system can guide remote pilots in real-time, providing timely alerts and recommended manoeuvres during potential conflicts. The data collected will be shared with RTCA Special Committees 228 and 147, pivotal in shaping the next generation of aviation safety standards.
Juerg Frefel, Co-founder and CTO at Reliable Robotics, aptly puts it: “Compliance to consensus-based technical standards is critical to reducing certification risk and ensuring interoperability.”
The Roadmap to Integration
To ensure the success of this ambitious project, Reliable Robotics has teamed up with the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP), one of the FAA’s designated UAS Test Sites. MAAP’s proven expertise in test planning and data provision plays a vital role in advancing UAS integration into the national airspace system. By leveraging this collaboration, Reliable aims to showcase the reliability and accuracy of their DAA technology in real-world scenarios.
MAAP’s collaboration is not just about testing hardware; it’s about laying the groundwork for a safer, more integrated airspace. With drones and uncrewed systems becoming more prevalent, the need for robust DAA solutions is greater than ever. This initiative, therefore, aligns perfectly with the FAA’s broader goals of enabling safe UAS operations across the nation.
A Proven Track Record
Reliable Robotics has been making waves in the industry, consistently pushing the envelope of what’s possible. In 2023, they achieved a major breakthrough by operating a Cessna C208B Caravan entirely remotely—no pilot on board. This was part of the FAA Urban Air Mobility Airspace Management Demonstration project, showcasing the potential of uncrewed systems to operate safely in busy, urban environments.
Such achievements not only highlight the technological prowess of Reliable Robotics but also serve as a proof of concept for future large-scale deployments. The fact that they’ve already flown successful missions without a pilot speaks volumes about their readiness to transform aviation as we know it.
A Vision for the Future
Reliable Robotics was founded in 2017 with a bold vision: to revolutionise the movement of goods and people through safe, automated air transport. Headquartered in Mountain View, California, the company has built a robust, global team dedicated to bringing certified automation systems to commercial and defence aviation.
Their technology enables remote operation across various aircraft types, paving the way for a future where air travel is not only safer but also more efficient and accessible. As demand for air cargo and urban air mobility increases, Reliable’s solutions are poised to play a pivotal role in meeting these challenges.
The company’s ambitious vision doesn’t just stop at cargo; they’re looking to reshape how the world views air transport, making it more cost-effective and sustainable.
The Road to Full Automation
The journey to fully automated air travel is still in its early stages, but the progress made by companies like Reliable Robotics is accelerating that timeline. The upcoming test flights in 2025 will be a litmus test for their DAA system’s real-world performance, setting the stage for broader commercial applications.
What sets Reliable apart is not just their technology but also their ability to foresee and address regulatory hurdles. By working closely with the FAA and MAAP, they’re not just meeting today’s standards but actively shaping the regulations of tomorrow.
With air traffic becoming increasingly congested, particularly around urban areas, the need for advanced DAA systems is more urgent than ever. Reliable Robotics’ efforts are, therefore, a critical step toward a future where uncrewed systems can safely operate alongside piloted aircraft, all while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Elevating Aviation Safety
The partnership between Reliable Robotics, the FAA, and MAAP is more than just a contract—it’s a testament to the trust placed in their technology. As the company gears up for the 2025 test flights, the aviation industry watches with anticipation. Should these tests succeed, they will not only bolster Reliable’s reputation but also redefine the boundaries of autonomous air travel.
With its innovative technology, proven track record, and strategic partnerships, Reliable Robotics is truly at the forefront of the next aviation revolution. This journey may have started in 2017, but the sky’s the limit for what they’ll achieve in the years to come.
