Reliable Robotics has raised $115 million in additional funding, pushing its valuation above $1 billion as it works toward Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for its autonomous flight technology. The California-based startup is developing systems that allow existing aircraft to operate automatically, with plans to eventually remove pilots from the cockpit.
The funding announced on October 20 extends its Series D round to $275 million, comprising $90 million in new equity funding led by Nimble Partners and $25 million in debt from Silicon Valley Bank. Additional investors include Gideon Strategic Partners, RockCreek, Geek Ventures, Gold Hill Capital, and Sparkwave Capital, bringing the company’s total funding to more than $380 million.
Founded in 2017 by former SpaceX engineers Robert Rose and Juerg Frefel, Reliable plans to use the funding to expand its aircraft fleet, production facilities, and engineering workforce. The company is also opening offices in Seattle and San Diego, adding to its existing operations in California and New Mexico.
Reliable Robotics Targets FAA Approval for Autonomous Flight
Reliable is pursuing four separate FAA certifications covering its autonomous flight system, remote operations, collision-avoidance radar, and airline operations. Its first product, continuous autopilot engagement, automates engine startup, taxiing, takeoff, and landing while a pilot remains onboard and controls the system through a touchscreen.
CEO Robert Rose told TechCrunch that certification for the initial system could arrive within 18 to 24 months. A second approval allowing pilots to operate aircraft remotely from ground-control stations is expected to take at least three years.
The company is also developing its own solid-state collision-avoidance radar after existing suppliers declined to undertake the project. Unlike conventional radar systems with moving antennas, Reliable’s design uses no moving parts and can detect objects at greater distances and higher resolution, according to Rose.
The radar is designed to identify potential collisions with aircraft and ground infrastructure while reducing maintenance costs. Rose expects FAA certification for the system by the end of 2027.
Reliable Airlines Operates Six Cargo Aircraft
Reliable’s fourth certification concerns Reliable Airlines, its Albuquerque-based cargo operation that currently flies six Cessna Caravan aircraft six days a week. The airline will require separate FAA operating approval before deploying the company’s autonomous flight technology commercially.
Reliable is also participating in the FAA’s Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program, supporting pre-certification cargo operations in New Mexico and Colorado. The company has secured contracts with multiple US military branches and completed several Air Force airworthiness reviews.
Nimble Partners founder John Burbank said Reliable’s system is designed for installation across different aircraft models rather than being limited to a single type. The company is currently seeking certification for its Reliable Autonomy System on the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan.
Featured image credits: Magnific.com
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