Reliable Robotics, an aviation startup focused on autonomous flight technology, has secured $115 million in a Series D extension. The round, led by Nimble Partners with debt financing from Silicon Valley Bank, brings the company's total valuation to over $1 billion. To date, the startup has raised a total of $380 million.
The company is working toward Federal Aviation Administration certification for its autonomous systems. Its first product, a continuous autopilot engagement system, is expected to receive certification within 18 to 24 months. This system manages engine startup, taxiing, takeoff, and landing while the pilot remains in the cockpit.
Reliable Robotics is also developing a solid-state collision-avoidance radar, which is expected to be certified by the end of 2027. Unlike conventional systems, this radar has no moving parts. The company aims to eventually remove the pilot from the cockpit entirely, a milestone projected to be at least three years away.
The startup operates Reliable Airlines, based in Albuquerque, which utilizes six Cessna Caravans for cargo flights six days a week. The company is seeking separate certification for its airline operations. Co-founders Robert Rose and Juerg Frefel are both former SpaceX employees.
