Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Autonomous flight pioneer Reliable Robotics has raised a further $160 million in its latest funding round. Announcing the fresh capital on April 21, the California-based start-up said the support from investors led by Pathbreaker Ventures will accelerate the deployment and production of its Reliable Autonomy System (RAS), for which it is targeting FAA certification in 2028.
Later this year, Reliable Robotics is set to start trial autonomous cargo operations with the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/2025-08-26/us-air-force-buys-autonomous-freighter-reliable-robotics">U.S. Air Force</a> in the Indo-Pacific region and also through its FAA-backed Advanced Air Mobility pilot project. According to the company it holds commitments for over 200 installations from commercial and military customers. It has also been selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2026-03-31/faa-evtol-integration-pilot-program-flips-script">eVTOL Integration Pilot Project</a> in Alberquerque, New Mexico.
Earlier this month, Reliable Robotics completed a series of <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2026-04-08/reliable-completes-detect-and-avoid-tests-near-airports">FAA-contracted flight tests</a> intended to evaluate whether large uncrewed aircraft systems can safely share airspace with crewed aircraft near airports. The company has conducted trials of its technology with aircraft including Textron’s Cessna Caravan for a variety of logistics operations.

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Reliable Robotics Raises $160 Million to Advance Autonomous Flight System

U.S. start-up is pressing for FAA certification in 2028

Efforts to bring the Reliable Autonomy System to market for civil and military applications have landed $160 million in a funding round for Reliable Robotics.

Reliable Robotics Raises $160 Million For Autonomous Flight 

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In this article

Reliable Robotics

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