Reliable Robotics is developing an autonomous flight system for airplanes already in service. TechCrunch reports that the company added $115 million to its Series D: $90 million of equity led by Nimble Partners and a $25 million Silicon Valley Bank term loan. The extension takes the round to $275 million and values the company at more than $1 billion.
The first version won’t empty the cockpit. Called continuous autopilot engagement, it handles engine startup, taxiing, takeoff and landing while a pilot remains aboard and uses a touchscreen to interact with the system. Chief Executive Robert Rose told TechCrunch he expects certification in 18 to 24 months; moving the pilot to a ground station is at least three years away.
Reliable is also developing a solid-state collision-avoidance radar after legacy suppliers declined to take on the project, according to Rose. Unlike a conventional scanning antenna, its design has no moving parts. Rose says it reaches farther, produces higher-resolution data, costs less and is easier to maintain; he expects certification by the end of 2027.
The company’s own airline provides an operating bridge. Reliable Airlines uses six Cessna Caravans to fly cargo from Albuquerque six days a week, and Reliable intends it to become the first airline certified to use the autonomy system. The FAA must approve the equipment and the airline operation separately.
The new capital will support additional aircraft, production facilities and engineering staff, according to GeekWire. Reliable is also opening a radar center in Bothell, Washington, and expanding in San Diego for military aviation-autonomy work.