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

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) this week contracted with Reliable Robotics to design, develop, and test autonomous aircraft capabilities for existing Air Force platforms. Under its Phase II Small Business Innovation Research contracts, the AFRL awards up to $1 million to support technology development work.
California-based Reliable Robotics intends to demonstrate how its aircraft-agnostic Remotely Operated Aircraft System can be adapted to multiple airframes. According to David O’Brien, the company’s senior vice president of government solutions, it will provide reports to the Air Force proposing how a wide variety of unspecified new and existing aircraft could be upgraded to support autonomous operations. “This contract will culminate with a test plan and report that informs the Air Force on a process to define, evaluate, and deliver accelerated autonomy solutions using our Remotely Operated Aircraft System,” he told FutureFlight. “Our remotely piloted aircraft system unlocks opportunities for all defense agencies in cargo delivery, logistics, surveillance, and other applications where higher tempos and lower costs are vital.”
In 2019, Reliable Robotics remotely piloted a Cessna 172 Skyhawk through a populated region without any pilot on board. In 2021, it remotely piloted a Cessna 208 Caravan cargo aircraft from a control center more than 50 miles away. The company, which was founded in 2017, was a finalist in last year’s Collier Trophy competition for great achievements in aeronautics.
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Charles Alcock

Reliable Robotics, which is developing remotely piloted technology for multiple aircraft types, is helping the U.S. Air Force determine how it could adapt platforms to more autonomous operations. (Image: Reliable Robotics)

U.S. Air Force Turns to Reliable Robotics for Guidance on Autonomous Operations

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