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

This article is based on an official press release from GKN Aerospace and additional public reporting on the partnership.

GKN Aerospace and Anduril UK Form Strategic Alliance for Next-Gen British UAVs

GKN Aerospace and Anduril Industries UK have officially signed a strategic teaming agreement to collaborate on the development of next-generation Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technologies. Announced on December 9, 2025, the partnership aims to secure a leading role in the British Army’s future aviation capabilities, specifically targeting the upcoming “Project NYX” competition.

According to the announcement, the collaboration brings together GKN’s long-standing expertise in aerostructures manufacturing with Anduril’s rapid software development and mission autonomy capabilities. The alliance is further bolstered by Archer Aviation, which joins the consortium to provide electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) and hybrid-propulsion technology derived from its commercial aviation programs.

The primary objective of this partnership is to deliver a sovereign “Land Autonomous Collaborative Platform” (Land ACP) for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). This platform is intended to operate alongside the British Army’s Apache AH-64E attack helicopters, providing a force-multiplying capability in contested environments.

Targeting Project NYX and Land ACP

The immediate focus of the new alliance is the British Army’s Project NYX, a flagship innovation program designed to field advanced autonomous systems. The project seeks to develop a UAV capable of acting as a “loyal wingman” to manned assets.

Operational Concepts

The proposed system is designed to be “commanded, not controlled,” meaning it will operate with a high degree of autonomy rather than requiring direct, stick-and-rudder remote piloting. According to program details, the UAV will accept high-level commands from human crews, executing complex tasks such as reconnaissance, target acquisition, and strike missions independently.

A critical requirement for the Land ACP is the ability to operate in environments with heavy electronic warfare threats. The system must also be capable of “countermeasure defeat,” effectively absorbing or neutralizing enemy fire and jamming attempts to protect the manned Apache helicopters it accompanies.

Timeline and Investment

The competition for Project NYX was launched in November 2025, with the contract period for the concept demonstrator phase expected to run from March 2026 to March 2028. Reports indicate that approximately £100 million has been allocated for this initial phase, underscoring the MoD’s commitment to rapidly modernizing its aviation assets.

A Sovereign Supply Chain

A central pillar of the GKN-Anduril bid is the emphasis on “sovereign capability.” The UK MoD has increasingly prioritized Supply-Chains that are designed and built within the UK to ensure operational independence during crises. This partnership leverages GKN Aerospace’s established manufacturing footprint to meet that requirement.

Manufacturing on the Isle of Wight

Work for the program will be centered at GKN’s facility in Cowes, Isle of Wight. This strategy is expected to secure high-value engineering jobs and utilize the site’s existing expertise in composite technology. Richard Quigley, MP for Isle of Wight West, welcomed the announcement, noting the economic benefits for the region.

“The partnership… is exceptionally positive news for the Isle of Wight. It demonstrates that innovative, high-tech Manufacturing… [is] being developed right here.”

— Richard Quigley, MP for Isle of Wight West

Roles and Responsibilities

The consortium has divided responsibilities to leverage each partner’s core strengths:

• Anduril Industries UK: Acting as the Lead Systems Integrator, Anduril will provide its Lattice software platform for command and control, along with the overall system architecture.
• GKN Aerospace: Serving as the Manufacturing & Integration Partner, GKN will handle structural design, airframe manufacturing, and Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS).
• Archer Aviation: As the Technology Partner, Archer will contribute high-voltage battery systems and hybrid-propulsion architectures from its “Midnight” eVTOL program.

Dave Bond, SVP of Defence Technology at GKN Aerospace, highlighted the speed at which the partnership intends to deliver results.

“By combining GKN Aerospace’s advanced manufacturing and integration expertise with Anduril’s innovative defence technologies, we can offer an industry-leading solution for the UK Army in rapid time.”

— Dave Bond, SVP of Defence Technology, GKN Aerospace

AirPro News Analysis

This Partnerships represents a significant convergence of “traditional” aerospace manufacturing and “new defense” software methodologies. GKN Aerospace is a heritage player with deep roots in physical aerostructures, while Anduril has built its reputation on a software-first approach that prioritizes speed and autonomy. By integrating Archer Aviation, the consortium also signals a growing trend of adapting commercial eVTOL technology for military logistics and combat support roles.

For the UK Ministry of Defence, this bid offers a potential solution to the challenge of modernizing procurement. The “software-first” philosophy of Anduril, combined with the industrial capacity of GKN, addresses the MoD’s dual need for rapid innovation and reliable, sovereign mass production. If successful, Project NYX could serve as a blueprint for future Human-Machine Teaming (HMT) programs across the British Armed Forces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Project NYX?
Project NYX is a British Army innovation program aimed at developing a Land Autonomous Collaborative Platform (Land ACP), essentially a UAV that acts as a ” loyal wingman” for attack helicopters.

Who are the key partners in this agreement?
The primary partners are GKN Aerospace (manufacturing) and Anduril Industries UK (software/integration), with support from Archer Aviation (propulsion technology).

Where will the work be performed?
The manufacturing and integration work will be centered at GKN Aerospace’s facility in Cowes, Isle of Wight.

What is the estimated budget for the initial phase?
Approximately £100 million has been allocated for the concept demonstrator phase, which is expected to run through early 2028.

Sources: GKN Aerospace

This article summarizes reporting by Navy Lookout.

Royal Navy’s Heavy-Lift “Proteus” Drone Clears Major Ground Testing Milestone

The Royal Navy’s ambitious push into autonomous maritime aviation has taken a significant step forward. According to reporting by Navy Lookout, the Proteus Rotary Wing Uncrewed Air System (RWUAS) has successfully completed its ground testing phase at Leonardo’s facility in Yeovil, Somerset. This critical development clears the path for the 2-3 tonne demonstrator to attempt its maiden flight, expected imminently.

The ground testing phase reportedly involved the full engagement of the aircraft’s engine, transmission, and rotor systems while tethered or stationary. These tests are the final technical hurdle required to validate the platform’s safety before it takes to the skies. As noted in the reporting, the Proteus is designed to operate in harsh maritime environments where smaller, lighter drones would struggle, marking a shift toward “heavy” uncrewed systems in the naval fleet.

Technical Validation and Design Origins

The Proteus is not a clean-sheet design but a militarized, autonomous evolution of the Kopter AW09, a single-engine commercial helicopter acquired by Leonardo. By adapting an existing airframe, the program has moved rapidly from contract award to ground running in under three years.

According to details highlighted by Navy Lookout, the system features a five-blade main rotor and is capable of carrying a modular payload of up to one tonne. This heavy-lift capability distinguishes it from smaller surveillance drones like the Peregrine (Schiebel S-100). The aircraft is designed for “plug-and-play” mission modules, allowing crews to swap between anti-submarine warfare (ASW) equipment, such as sonobuoy dispensers, and cargo racks for logistics missions.

Advanced Autonomy

A key feature of the Proteus is its ability to operate without a constant data link to a ground station. Nigel Colman, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters UK, emphasized the importance of onboard processing in a statement regarding the program’s progress.

“Proteus is equipped with cutting-edge onboard software capabilities… allowing it to sense its environment, make decisions and act accordingly.”

, Nigel Colman, Managing Director, Leonardo Helicopters UK

This level of autonomy is essential for operations in contested environments where enemy electronic warfare might jam communications between the drone and its host ship.

Strategic Role in the Future Maritime Aviation Force

The Proteus program is a cornerstone of the Royal Navy’s Future Maritime Aviation Force (FMAF) strategy. Rather than replacing crewed helicopters like the Merlin Mk2 or Wildcat, the Proteus is intended to serve as a “force multiplier.”

In an Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) role, the uncrewed system can perform the tedious, long-endurance task of monitoring sonobuoy fields, relaying acoustic data back to the ship. This frees up crewed assets for high-complexity tactical decisions and weapon delivery. Captain David Gillett, Head of Maritime Aviation & Carrier Strike for the Royal Navy, described the potential of the platform in recent remarks.

“[It] has enormous potential to shape the Royal Navy’s future hybrid air wing.”

, Captain David Gillett, Royal Navy

AirPro News Analysis

The rapid progression of the Proteus program highlights a broader trend in military procurement: the shift toward “digital twinning.” Leonardo utilized a virtual replica of the aircraft to test flight control algorithms long before the physical prototype was complete. This approach has allowed the Royal Navy to field a heavy-class drone demonstrator in a fraction of the time typically required for aerospace development.

Furthermore, the distinction between “surveillance” drones and “workhorse” drones is becoming sharper. While systems like the Peregrine provide eyes in the sky, the Proteus offers physical mass, the ability to move supplies or drop sensors in Sea State 6 conditions. This capability gap has long been a limiting factor for uncrewed naval aviation, and Proteus appears poised to close it.

Program Timeline and Next Steps

The UK Ministry of Defence awarded the £60 million contract for this phase of the Technology Demonstration Programme (TDP) in July 2022. With ground runs now complete as of December 2025, the focus shifts to the maiden flight.

Following the first flight, the aircraft is expected to undergo a comprehensive flight trial campaign. These trials will test its handling characteristics and autonomous behaviors in real-world conditions, eventually leading to trials at sea.

Sources: Navy Lookout