Connect with us

UAV & Drones

Reliable Robotics Secures NASA Contract for Large UAS Airport Testing

Reliable Robotics will conduct automated flights using Cessna 208B to validate safety standards for large UAS integration into national airspace by 2026.

Published

on

This article is based on an official press release from Reliable Robotics.

Reliable Robotics Awarded NASA Contract to Validate Large UAS Operations at Airports

Reliable Robotics has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III contract by NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD). Announced on December 10, 2025, this agreement tasks the Mountain View-based company with conducting operational demonstration flights to validate safety standards for integrating large Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS).

The contract focuses on utilizing the company’s automated Cessna 208B Caravan to collect critical flight data. According to the press release, these operations will take place “at and around airports” to simulate real-world regional air cargo scenarios. The data gathered is intended to assist the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Standards Development Organizations (SDOs) in finalizing performance standards for large uncrewed aircraft.

Testing Scope and Contingency Management

A primary objective of this testing campaign is to demonstrate the aircraft’s ability to handle system failures without human intervention. Reliable Robotics stated that the flights will specifically validate the system’s capacity to manage “lost command and control (C2) links” and navigate effectively in “GPS degraded or denied” environments.

The testing timeline indicates that data collection and final demonstrations are scheduled for completion by the third quarter of 2026. The final demonstration flights are planned to occur between the Mojave Air and Space Port (MHV) and Edwards Air Force Base (KEDW) in California. Rehearsal flights will likely take place within California’s high-desert test corridors, with specific locations currently being determined in collaboration with NASA.

“This testing campaign comes at a unique moment in time, when safety-enhancing aircraft autonomy is rapidly nearing FAA certification and entry into service for regional air cargo and military use cases.”

, Robert Rose, Co-founder and CEO of Reliable Robotics

Regulatory Implications and Technology

The contract falls under NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) mission. The data collected is expected to be instrumental in writing the Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS), which are necessary for large UAS to fly commercially without special waivers. While current tests often utilize visual observers, the program aims to validate Detect and Avoid (DAA) systems that will eventually replace human eyes in the sky.

The Reliable Autonomy System

Reliable Robotics utilizes its proprietary Reliable Autonomy System (RAS), which is designed to be aircraft-agnostic. The system is currently certified on the Cessna 208B Caravan and the Cessna 172. Unlike traditional autopilots that disconnect during a failure, forcing a human pilot to take over, the RAS is designed to be “fail operational.” This means the system manages contingencies internally, maintaining safety even if specific components or links fail.

AirPro News Analysis

We note that the designation of this award as an SBIR Phase III contract is significant. Unlike Phase I or II awards, which focus on feasibility and research and development, Phase III contracts are funded by non-SBIR programmatic funds and typically indicate that a technology is ready for commercialization or government application. This suggests NASA views Reliable Robotics’ platform not just as an experiment, but as a mature tool for defining the future of airspace integration.

Furthermore, the dual-use nature of this technology is evident. While this specific contract focuses on civil aviation standards, Reliable Robotics continues to hold contracts with the U.S. Air Force. The data derived from these NASA tests regarding GPS-denied environments will likely have direct applications for military logistics in contested environments.

Company Background

Founded in 2017 by SpaceX and Tesla veterans Robert Rose and Juerg Frefel, Reliable Robotics has raised over $133 million in funding. The company achieved a significant milestone in November 2023 when it successfully flew a Cessna 208B Caravan with no pilot on board. This new NASA contract builds upon previous partnerships, including the AAM National Campaign, where the company served as a vehicle partner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What aircraft is being used for these tests?
Reliable Robotics will use its automated Cessna 208B Caravan, a standard regional cargo aircraft retrofitted with the Reliable Autonomy System.

When will the testing be completed?
According to the announcement, data collection and final demonstrations are scheduled to conclude by Q3 2026.

What is the main goal of the testing?
The primary goal is to validate safety standards, specifically regarding how large uncrewed aircraft handle communication losses and GPS failures in airport environments.

Sources:
Reliable Robotics Press Release

Photo Credit: Reliable Robotics

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

UAV & Drones

Dufour and Volatus Advance Hybrid Drone Operations in Canada

Dufour Aerospace and Volatus Aerospace expand partnership to develop remote operations for hybrid-electric Aero-200 drone, focusing on Arctic logistics and beyond.

Published

on

This article is based on an official press release from Dufour Aerospace.

Swiss Drones manufacturer Dufour Aerospace and Canadian aerospace and defence company Volatus Aerospace have significantly deepened their strategic Partnerships in early 2026. Originally formed in February 2025, the collaboration is centered on commercializing Dufour’s hybrid-electric tilt-wing drones for runway-independent logistics. According to a recent company press release and supplementary industry data, the two firms are moving rapidly from theoretical alignment to hands-on capability development.

The core of this partnership revolves around the Aero-200 (formerly known as the Aero2), Dufour’s flagship uncrewed aircraft. Featuring a unique tilt-wing design, the Aero-200 takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter but transitions to forward flight to achieve the speed and energy efficiency of a traditional airplane. The aircraft is designed to transport payloads of up to 40 kg (88 lbs) over distances of 400 km (249 miles).

By combining Swiss engineering with Canadian operational infrastructure, the companies aim to revolutionize cargo delivery, defence logistics, and commercial operations in infrastructure-limited environments, particularly the Canadian Arctic. We are seeing a concerted effort to bridge the gap between aircraft development and deployable, real-world capability.

Advancing Remote Operations in 2026

In the first half of 2026, both Dufour Aerospace and Volatus Aerospace provided strategic updates indicating major milestones in their joint operational readiness. A primary focus has been the integration of Dufour’s technology into Volatus’s state-of-the-art Operations Control Centre (OCC) located in Vaughan, Ontario, within the Greater Toronto Area.

Simulator Installation and Live Flight Training

A significant development announced by the companies was the installation of a dedicated Dufour hybrid eVTOL simulator at the Toronto OCC. According to the press release, this simulator is actively utilized to train Volatus pilots, rehearse complex missions, and develop operational concepts for runway-independent logistics. The OCC serves as the digital backbone for Volatus, enabling operators to remotely manage Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) drone missions globally.

Moving beyond simulation, Dufour deployed an actual aircraft to Canada in the first quarter of 2026 for live flight operations. Working in direct collaboration with Volatus, the focus of these flights was to train external pilots on system behavior. By executing flights with operators outside of Dufour’s core development team, the Manufacturers was able to observe how the aircraft is handled by end-users in real-world scenarios.

Global Remote Control Capabilities

Complementing the Canadian operations, Dufour Aerospace recently established its first remote operator room in Dübendorf, Switzerland. This technological advancement allows operators to continuously monitor flight parameters, system status, and mission progress from a centralized location, removing the need for pilots to be physically present at the launch site. This setup directly mirrors and complements the centralized management expertise housed at Volatus’s OCC.

“Adding the Aero-200 to a growing fleet of larger, more capable drones, extends our capabilities and accelerates the commercialization of our Operations Control Center and remote operations capabilities.”

, Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace, in a company statement regarding the partnership.

Strategic Focus: The Arctic and Beyond

The collaboration is currently prioritizing three interrelated capability areas tailored for both the Canadian and global markets. According to industry reports detailing the partnership, the primary focus is on solving the “last-mile” and “no-runway” logistics problems inherent in extreme environments.

Solving the “No-Runway” Logistics Challenge

First, the companies are leveraging Volatus’s extensive experience in cold-weather and northern operating environments to adapt the Aero-200 platform for the Canadian Arctic. The ability to operate heavy-lift drones in austere regions without traditional runway infrastructure is a critical requirement for northern communities.

Second, the partnership is evaluating the platform’s applicability for military and government logistics support. This aligns with Canada’s recent Defence Industrial Strategy, offering a solution for public-sector resupply missions where runway access is limited or non-existent.

Finally, commercial applications remain a strong focus. The companies are assessing opportunities in sectors such as critical infrastructure support, remote industrial operations, and emergency medical response.

“Volatus’ extensive global reach and operational expertise make them the perfect partner to expand the availability of our VTOL technology in challenging and underserved areas, such as remote communities in Canada and Africa.”

, Sascha Hardegger, CEO of Dufour Aerospace, in a company press release.

Operator-Led Design and Market Impact

Unlike many drone manufacturers that design aircraft around theoretical use cases, Dufour Aerospace is utilizing an operator-led perspective provided by Volatus. This strategy ensures that the platform’s development remains closely connected to how aircraft are actually utilized in the field, particularly in environments where the margins for error are exceptionally small.

Financial Growth for Volatus

The strategic focus on advanced remote operations appears to be yielding financial benefits. In May 2026, Volatus Aerospace reported its highest first-quarter gross margins in company history, reaching 35%. The company attributed this financial success to its structural advancements, its recent graduation to the Toronto Stock Exchange, and its expanding capabilities in autonomy and remote operations.

“The focus of our work with Dufour Aerospace is on building operational capability, not promoting individual performance metrics. Governments and commercial operators alike are increasingly looking for reliable, runway-independent cargo solutions that can operate in remote and challenging environments. This partnership allows us to apply our operational, regulatory, and training expertise to help shape such a capability.”

, Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace, speaking in January 2026.

AirPro News analysis

The deepening integration between Dufour Aerospace and Volatus Aerospace highlights a critical maturation phase in the advanced air mobility (AAM) and heavy-lift drone sectors. By shifting focus from theoretical aircraft performance to centralized, remote operational control, these companies are addressing the primary bottleneck for BVLOS logistics: regulatory trust and scalable infrastructure.

The ability to fly a heavy-lift drone in the harsh conditions of the Canadian Arctic while the pilot sits safely in a control room in Toronto represents a massive leap forward for both aviation safety and unit economics. Furthermore, this civilian technology possesses clear dual-use capabilities. In light of recent geopolitical pressures regarding Arctic sovereignty, a runway-independent, cold-weather-capable drone platform is highly attractive to the Canadian military for northern border surveillance and remote resupply missions. The success of this partnership will likely hinge on continued seamless integration between Dufour’s hardware and Volatus’s OCC Software architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dufour Aero-200?
The Aero-200 is a hybrid-electric tilt-wing uncrewed aircraft developed by Swiss manufacturer Dufour Aerospace. It can take off vertically and transition to forward flight, carrying up to 40 kg (88 lbs) over 400 km (249 miles).

What is the role of Volatus Aerospace in this partnership?
Volatus Aerospace provides the operational infrastructure, specifically its Operations Control Centre (OCC) in Toronto, to manage remote flights, train pilots, and adapt the aircraft for real-world commercial and defence logistics, particularly in cold-weather environments.

Where are the remote operations being tested?
Live flight operations and simulator training are being conducted in North-America through Volatus’s OCC, while Dufour has also established a remote operator room in Dübendorf, Switzerland.


Sources: Dufour Aerospace Press Release

Photo Credit: Dufour Aerospace

Continue Reading

UAV & Drones

Enigma Aerospace and Re:Build Partner to Produce Phoenix P-1000 Cargo Drone

Enigma Aerospace and Re:Build Manufacturing join to develop and mass-produce the Phoenix P-1000 autonomous cargo drone for US defense logistics.

Published

on

This article is based on an official press release from Enigma Aerospace via PR Newswire.

On May 19, 2026, Enigma Aerospace and Re:Build Manufacturing announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at rapidly developing and mass-producing the Phoenix P-1000, an autonomous logistics Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). According to the official press release, this Partnerships is designed to address the modern military challenge of “contested logistics” by delivering “affordable mass” to the U.S. Department of Defense.

By combining Enigma’s autonomous aviation technology with Re:Build’s extensive American Manufacturing infrastructure, the companies plan to scale production to thousands of aircraft annually. The joint effort emphasizes a rapid development cycle, targeting first article flight testing and low-rate initial production within 12 months of the program’s initiation.

Engineering the Phoenix P-1000 for Scale

The core of this partnership centers on the Phoenix P-1000, an autonomous, ultra-long-range Cargo-Aircraft. Based on company specifications provided in the announcement, the UAS is designed to carry a 1,000-pound payload over distances exceeding 2,100 nautical miles. The aircraft is engineered to be runway-independent, capable of Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) from unimproved surfaces, or delivering cargo via high-precision aerial drops using proprietary “DropPod” technology.

Crucially, the Phoenix P-1000 features an “attritable” design. This means the system is cost-effective enough to be deployed, and potentially lost, in highly contested scenarios where military commanders cannot risk sending expensive, crewed strategic airlift assets.

Software and Command-and-Control

Operating in tandem with the hardware is Enigma’s proprietary software, known as Strata. The press release details that Strata serves as a logistics orchestration and command-and-control platform. It enables mission planning, fleet coordination, and resilient air mobility in degraded or GPS-denied environments, allowing operators to manage logistics even when traditional communications are compromised.

Reshoring and Manufacturing Readiness

To achieve the ambitious goal of producing thousands of aircraft per year, Enigma Aerospace is leveraging the industrial capacity of Re:Build Manufacturing. Headquartered in Framingham, Massachusetts, Re:Build was founded in 2020 by former Amazon Worldwide Consumer CEO Jeff Wilke and current Re:Build CEO Miles Arnone. The company employs over 1,200 people, including more than 400 engineers, across nine U.S. states and specializes in “Manufacturing Constrained Design” (MCD) and Lean manufacturing methodologies.

The MOU establishes an accelerated path from prototype to high-rate production, ensuring the Phoenix aircraft is engineered for producibility from day one. The companies state that this approach prioritizes manufacturing readiness alongside technology readiness.

“Speed and scale are the defining constraints of modern deterrence. Re:Build brings the manufacturing depth, defense pedigree, and American industrial footprint needed to field Phoenix at the quantities our customers require. Partnering with Re:Build means we’re engineering for manufacturing readiness, not just technology readiness,” stated Reese Mozer, Chief Executive Officer of Enigma Aerospace, in the press release.

AirPro News analysis

We note that this partnership aligns closely with the U.S. military’s ongoing strategic shift toward “affordable mass.” In potential modern conflicts, particularly in the vast Pacific theater, forces will be highly distributed. Sustaining these troops with fuel, ammunition, and medical supplies without relying on vulnerable, large-scale airbases is currently one of the Department of Defense’s most pressing challenges.

Furthermore, Supply-Chain vulnerabilities exposed in recent years have catalyzed a massive push to rebuild the American defense industrial base. Re:Build Manufacturing’s involvement in the Phoenix P-1000 program guarantees a secure, domestic supply chain, insulating the production of these critical autonomous Drones from geopolitical disruptions. Enigma Aerospace, founded in 2023 by a team that previously led American Robotics, emerged from stealth in March 2026. Backed by $7 million in funding from venture capital firms like Cybernetix Ventures, Valia Ventures, and Techstars, alongside U.S. Air Force SBIR grants, the company appears well-positioned to capitalize on these macro-trends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Phoenix P-1000?

The Phoenix P-1000 is an autonomous, ultra-long-range cargo drone developed by Enigma Aerospace. It is designed to carry a 1,000-pound payload over 2,100 nautical miles and can operate without traditional runways.

When will the Phoenix P-1000 be ready?

According to the partnership announcement, Enigma Aerospace and Re:Build Manufacturing are targeting first article flight testing and low-rate initial production within 12 months of the program’s start.

Why is the U.S. military interested in “attritable” drones?

Attritable drones are designed to be affordable enough that commanders can deploy them in highly dangerous, contested environments where they might be shot down, without risking the loss of multi-million-dollar crewed aircraft or human pilots.

Sources

Photo Credit: Enigma Aerospace

Continue Reading

UAV & Drones

Dynamic Aerospace Systems Files Three Patents for Autonomous UAV Logistics

Dynamic Aerospace Systems expands its UAV portfolio with three new patents focusing on continuous logistics and modular battery architectures.

Published

on

On May 18, 2026, Dynamic Aerospace Systems (OTCQB: BRQL), a U.S.-based developer of advanced autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), announced the filing of three new provisional patent applications. According to the official press release, these filings focus on autonomous delivery infrastructure, continuous UAV logistics operations, and modular structural battery aircraft architectures.

We note that this intellectual property expansion represents a strategic push for the company, moving beyond traditional drone manufacturing into the development of scalable, AI-driven autonomous logistics ecosystems. The newly filed patents are designed to support large-scale operations across commercial, defense, and emergency response applications.

As the global UAV market continues to expand, Dynamic Aerospace Systems is positioning its technology to address the growing need for continuous, uninterrupted Drones operations. The company’s latest announcements highlight a broader industry trend toward integrated logistics networks and domestic manufacturing.

Expanding the Autonomous Logistics Ecosystem

According to the company’s announcement, the three provisional patents aim to solve critical bottlenecks in drone delivery and sustained flight operations. The filings introduce concepts that allow UAVs to operate in perpetual mission cycles without the need to return to fixed depots.

Key Patent Filings Detailed

The press release outlines the specific technologies covered by the new filings. The first is a “Continuous Loop Autonomous UAV Logistics System,” which utilizes mobile fulfillment nodes, automated battery and payload exchanges, and dynamic corridor routing to increase operational tempo and asset utilization. The second patent covers a “Mobile Fulfillment Node (MFN) Repositioning System,” designed to optimize demand-based routing and repositioning for mobile drone infrastructure.

Finally, the company filed for a “Detachable Structural Battery Arm Architecture.” According to the release, this is a modular design enabling rapid field replacement of batteries and configurable endurance, allowing for highly swappable, energy-distributed UAV designs.

In the press release, Kent Wilson, CEO of Dynamic Aerospace Systems, emphasized the company’s broader Strategy regarding the new filings:

“Our vision has always been much larger than simply building drones. We are building an autonomous logistics ecosystem that combines UAVs, predictive mobile infrastructure, AI-driven orchestration, and modular aircraft architectures capable of operating at scale in real-world environments.”

Corporate Momentum and Defense Outreach

Dynamic Aerospace Systems has undergone significant corporate changes over the past year. Formerly known as BrooQLy, Inc., the company executed a strategic pivot following a majority acquisition by Aerospace Capital Partners in February 2025. The company officially rebranded to Dynamic Aerospace Systems in December 2025 to better reflect its new aerospace and defense focus.

Recent Demonstrations and Financial Posture

The company has actively showcased its U.S.-manufactured platforms, which include the G1-MKIII long-range hybrid VTOL, the US1-MKII extended-duration quad-copter, and the Mitigator-MKII tactical multicopter. According to recent company reports, Dynamic Aerospace Systems hosted a delegation of Japanese defense and industrial leaders,including representatives from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Subaru, NEC, and IHI,at its Ann Arbor, Michigan facility on May 6, 2026. Prior to that, on April 16, 2026, the company collaborated with the Arizona Department of Public Safety to host a Multi-Agency Drone Demo Expo.

Financially, the company reported its Q1 2026 results on May 15, 2026, noting an active reduction in unnecessary cash burn while maintaining heavy Investments in intellectual property, government outreach, and manufacturing readiness. This follows an earlier IP expansion on January 6, 2026, where the company filed seven other provisional patents, including a mesh-based autonomous delivery system and an interceptor drone mechanism.

AirPro News analysis

We observe that the drone industry is currently experiencing a paradigm shift from standalone hardware production to the development of integrated “ecosystems.” Dynamic Aerospace Systems’ new patents reflect this critical transition, focusing heavily on the infrastructure,such as mobile nodes and automated battery swaps,required to make drone delivery and surveillance viable at a massive, uninterrupted scale.

Furthermore, as geopolitical tensions rise, there is an increasing premium placed on secure, domestic supply chains by government and defense contractors. With the global UAV market projected to surpass $90 billion by 2030, according to a 2026 shareholder letter from the company, securing foundational patents for autonomous logistics infrastructure is a vital step for U.S.-based OEMs looking to capture future market share in both commercial last-mile delivery and tactical military applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Dynamic Aerospace Systems?
Dynamic Aerospace Systems (OTCQB: BRQL) is a U.S.-based original equipment manufacturer specializing in advanced VTOL UAV platforms, AI-driven logistics systems, and autonomous operational logic. The company is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

What new patents did the company file?
On May 18, 2026, the company filed three provisional patents: a Continuous Loop Autonomous UAV Logistics System, a Mobile Fulfillment Node Repositioning System, and a Detachable Structural Battery Arm Architecture.

Why did the company change its name?
Formerly known as BrooQLy, Inc., the company changed its name to Dynamic Aerospace Systems in December 2025 following a majority Acquisitions by Aerospace Capital Partners in February 2025, aligning its brand with a new aerospace and defense focus.

Sources

Photo Credit: Dynamic Aerospace Systems

Continue Reading
Every coffee directly supports the work behind the headlines.

Support AirPro News!

Advertisement

Follow Us

newsletter

Latest

Categories

Tags

Every coffee directly supports the work behind the headlines.

Support AirPro News!

Popular News