NASA and Reliable Robotics to test uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS)

NASA and Reliable Robotics to test uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS)

by | Dec 10, 2025 | Avionics, Innovation

Reliable Robotics has signed a contract with NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) to test its Cessna 208B Caravan at airports. Data collected from the flights will help inform the FAA and Standards Development Organizations (SDOs) as they set regulations for uncrewed aircraft systems.

Providing the tech for continuous autopilot engagement through all phases of flight, including auto-taxi, auto-takeoff and auto-landing, Reliable Robotics’ mission is to make flight safer. Designed for cargo operations, the company will use the new agreement with NASA to test interactions with air traffic control and potential contingency scenarios. There will be no pilot onboard during the final flight demonstration.

Robert Rose, CEO and co-founder, Reliable Robotics, said:

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. Efforts like this are how we continue to advance the necessary public policy ecosystem. We deeply value the continued partnership with NASA to conduct testing that will advance industry-wide efforts to expand remotely piloted aircraft operations at airports.

After the tests, data will be passed on to NASA, FAA, and SDOs to develop Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS) and Minimum Aviation System Performance Standards (MASPS) for UAS. Demonstrating this technology in real-world environments is essential for proving — and enhancing — their safety in advance of commercial launch.

Join us at Aerospace Tech Week 2026 to discuss the future of uncrewed aircraft systems. 

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GE Aerospace to support Shield AI’s autonomous jet, X-BAT

GE Aerospace to support Shield AI’s autonomous jet, X-BAT

by | Nov 6, 2025 | AI & ML, Innovation

GE Aerospace will support propulsion and testing for Shield AI’s X-BAT.

Under a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), GE Aerospace will supply their 110-GE-129 engine to power Shield’s AI-piloted eVTOL fighter jet. Launched last month in Washington DC, the X-BAT operates autonomously using Shield’s Hivemind software. The company says it can perform even in environments with limited communications, whether working in a team or on independently.

Shield AI aircraft engineering senior vice president Armor Harris said:

GE Aerospace’s F110 engine is one of the most successful and reliable fighter engines in history and has the operability characteristics that X-BAT’s VTOL design demands. GE Aerospace has been a great partner, and we are excited by the potential of our combined team.

With over 11 million flight hours, the F110 engine has been tested and developed over four decades. GE Aerospace’s expertise in the fields complements Shield AI’s innovation. The eVTOL business has already been valued at more than US$5 billion as the defence and aerospace industries seek to advance AI-powered solutions.

Earlier this year, Shield announced a partnership with Korea Aerospace Industries to develop AI pilots. GE Aerospace defence and systems president and CEO Amy Gowder said:

We’re excited to pair GE Aerospace’s proven experience in developing and scaling propulsion systems with Shield AI’s vehicle development to move faster from concept to capability.

Join us at Aerospace Tech Week 2026 to discuss the future of AI-powered flight.

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