Reliable Robotics Advances Certifiable C2 Link System to Integrate Autonomous Aircraft into National Airspace

Image Courtesy: Public Domain

Reliable Robotics, the leader in autonomous aircraft systems, announced its efforts to advance the certifiability of its safety-critical uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) datalinks capabilities, known as the C2 Link System through industry collaboration, standards development efforts and flight testing. The company’s efforts enable the ability of remotely piloted aircraft to integrate into the National Airspace System (NAS) and existing airport and air traffic control infrastructure.

Reliable’s automated Cessna C208B UAS will operate in all classes of airspace under Instrument Flight Rules, during which a remote pilot will be responsible for the safety of the Uncrewed Aircraft and efficient integration into the NAS by acting on clearances and other instructions from Air Traffic Control. Reliable’s comprehensive C2 Link System enables connectivity between aircraft and remote pilot, shared traffic awareness between UAS, connectivity between aircraft and Air Traffic Control, cooperative practices and separation automation. The system is compatible with multiple network communication systems and compliant with FAA standards for Control and Non-Payload Communications (CNPC) links.

“Uncrewed aircraft don’t need new infrastructure at airports to fly – the proliferation of satellite-based connectivity through the market creates an environment where UAS can communicate and safely integrate into the NAS,” said Brandon Suarez, VP, Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Integration at Reliable Robotics. “With our C2 System, Reliable will be able to bring more aviation – and safer aviation – into communities without requiring additional infrastructure.”

Reliable is building and certifying its C2 System to integrate into the NAS and airport infrastructure as it exists today. The system will be capable of integrating into a modernized NAS that utilizes Digital Flight Rules (DFR) to guide the safe interoperability of UAS. Under DFR, the airspace will allow all aircraft operators to take advantage of advanced automation technologies to improve safety and gain operational benefit.

Reliable’s C2 System is built in partnership with leading vendors:

• Satellite Communications – Reliable’s satcom terminals are compatible with the Iridium and Viasat communications networks, enabling next-generation satellite connectivity necessary for safety-critical UAS deployments. These terminals establish satellite communications and multiple CNPC datalinks to ensure availability, continuity, low-latency and integrity. Both Viasat (Geostationary orbit) and Iridium (Low Earth Orbit) bring decades of experience delivering safety-critical services to enable transoceanic aviation services, with capabilities that include FANS, CPDLC, ADS-C, and Satellite Phone communications.
• Datalinks – With uAvionix, Reliable integrates highly reliable air-to-ground datalinks into its systems which are ideal for high density operational volumes (i.e., airport terminals), where very low latency CNPC and voice communications are critical. uAvionix has spent more than a decade within the domestic and international aviation and spectrum communities to carve out spectrum for the exclusive use of UAS C2 Links.

Reliable is contributing operational insights to two RTCA working groups to develop consensus standards for C2 link systems. The C2 Link System is built to satisfy requirements listed in RTCA DO-377B. The company is also working closely with the FAA through multiple efforts to demonstrate the ability of its C2 System to integrate into existing FAA voice communications systems. This includes its flight simulation efforts and ongoing flight testing of its automated Cessna 208B Caravan, such as its recent contract with NASA to conduct testing around airport environments. Reliable’s recent submission to the inaugural Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), also forecasts for flight testing in rural and regional communities within the next two years to further validate its performance and reliability.