Remotely Operated Cargo Operations Expanding

Reliable Robotics has raised $100 million in a Series C funding round for further development of their Remotely Operated Aircraft System. Breaking from other unmanned aerial platforms, Reliable's technology is independent from any one aircraft, capable of future fitment across a multitude of planes. 

The funding round, led by Coatue Management, brings a fresh infusion of capital to Reliable's research, enabling them to scale up its aircraft certification program and expedite the launch of commercial cargo operations. On the offering, Jaimin Rangwalla, Senior Managing Director at Coatue, said the team's progress and track record so far gave them confidence. "We believe Reliable Robotics is a leader in aircraft automation for commercial aviation. We were impressed by the team's clear vision, measured certification progress and track record of industry achievement. We are proud and excited to support Reliable’s goal to be the first to deliver FAA-certified, remotely piloted systems to market.”

Beginning on a Cessna 172, and moving to a 208, they see their systems integrated throughout the industry, opening a multitude of smaller regional airports to commercial service. Unlike the current hub-and-spokes model, their blueprint is built around the flexibility inherent to their remote operation. Using a small corps of licensed pilots, based in a distant command center, flying a distributed network of aircraft spread throughout the airport system. To help build this system, former co-owner and CCO of Ameriflight, Jeff Drees, has been brought on to Reliable. His expertise in building an airline subsidiary and cargo service will help to create what he calls a "massive opportunity to transform the cargo industry over the next several years." This change might be closer than some think, as the benefits become more widely known.

"Remotely piloted cargo delivery provides a huge advantage with low cost, anytime, anywhere flights that increase aircraft utilization and availability." 

Reliable Robotics will continue to expand their portfolio into additional, larger airframes, as well as hybrid and electric platforms and passenger aircraft. Certification is ongoing, but seemingly at a faster pace than normal. Robert Rose, co-founder, thanks a close cooperation with government agencies. “We appreciate our public-private partnership with the FAA and NASA as we work to integrate our Remotely Operated Aircraft System into the airspace. We intend to bring unprecedented safety and reliability to today’s commercial aircraft.

FMI: www.reliable.co