Xwing Unveils Plans for Autonomous Cargo Operations | Aviation International News

Xwing Unveils Plans for Autonomous Cargo Operations

Xwing is about to start cargo operations in a Cessna Grand Caravan equipped with its autonomous flight control system, but initially with a pilot onboard.

Xwing aims to operate aircraft such as the Cessna Grand Caravan on commercial cargo and passenger services using its autonomous flight technology. (Photo: Xwing)

By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

August 20, 2020

Autonomous flight technology pioneer Xwing says it has already made more than 70 pilotless takeoffs and landings in a converted Cessna 208B Grand Caravan. Unveiling the aircraft on Thursday at Buchanan Field Airport in California, the startup said it intends to start regional cargo operations on routes of up to 500 miles as part of its plan to prove the use case for autonomous operations.

According to Xwing, which has secured an FAA Part 135 air carrier certificate for drone cargo deliveries, initial operations with a pilot on board will begin “in the coming months.” Subject to FAA approval, the company hopes to begin autonomous operations in early 2022, although these will initially be conducted with an operator on the ground, mainly to handle interactions with air traffic controllers.

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