–Reliable Robotics, a prominent player in the realm of autonomous aircraft systems, has just unveiled its selection as one of the top four candidates for the esteemed 2023 Robert J. Collier Trophy. This highly prestigious award, bestowed annually by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) for over a century, recognizes outstanding achievements in aeronautics or astronautics in America. It specifically honors programs, companies, and individuals who have made significant strides in enhancing the performance, efficiency, and safety of air or space vehicles during the preceding year.
The Robert J. Collier Trophy stands as the pinnacle of aviation excellence, placing those who achieve it in a league of rare and historic accomplishment,” expressed Amy Spowart, President and CEO of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). “The inclusion of Reliable Robotics in the final selection for the 2023 Collier Trophy is a testament to their outstanding contributions. This opportunity allows them to delve into the intricacies of achieving effective and safe autonomous flight, setting a new standard for the industry, and sparking anticipation for the innovative paths they will chart.”
Reliable Robotics earned its place in the spotlight through remarkable accomplishments in 2023, showcasing the maturity of its autonomous flight system and promising immediate benefits for the aerospace sector. A significant milestone was reached in November 2023 when an uncrewed flight of a large cargo plane with no one on board, completed a historic flight. This event underscored the safety, reliability, and flexibility offered by remote piloting, as Reliable flew a Cessna 208B Caravan with a remote pilot was commanded by a remote pilot situated 50 miles away, marking a groundbreaking moment in aviation history. Further reinforcing their position, Reliable Robotics secured the most advanced program for autonomous flight system certification, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acceptance of their autonomous aircraft certification plan in June 2023.
Building on their success, Reliable achieved additional certification milestones in 2024. Closure of two significant issue papers with the FAA were resolved, covering full-flight navigation and outlining the testing and analysis required to demonstrate the compliance of highly automated systems with FAA safety and performance criteria for routine operations in controlled airspace.
Robert Rose, Co-founder and CEO of Reliable Robotics emphasized the significance of the accolade, stating, “Reliable’s autonomous flight system not only enhances aircraft performance and efficiency but also delivers cost savings and, most crucially, elevates aviation safety, preventing accidents and saving lives. Being recognized by the Collier Trophy Selection Committee for a second time, alongside esteemed industry colleagues, is a testament to our team’s dedication and achievements.”
Reliable’s autonomous flight system boasts an “always on” autopilot, enabling auto-land, auto-taxi, and auto-takeoff. Additionally, it features high-precision navigation and remote piloting capabilities designed to mitigate common causes of aviation accidents, such as Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT) and Loss of Control in Flight (LOC-I). Studies indicate that digital safety systems, including continuous engagement autopilot, could prevent nearly 70 percent of general aviation accidents. The system’s capabilities extend to automatically taking off and landing in diverse weather conditions at numerous general aviation airports, facilitating more flights to a variety of destinations, including underserved communities.
About Reliable Robotics
Reliable Robotics launched in 2017 to bring safe, certified automation systems to commercial aviation. The company’s system enables remote operation of any aircraft type. Reliable’s vision is to transform the way we move goods and people around the planet with safer, more convenient, and more affordable air transportation. The company is headquartered in Mountain View, CA, and has a distributed global workforce. Learn more and see job openings at https://reliable.co.