Reliable Robotics, which develops an autonomous flight system, raised a $115M extension for its $160M Series D, pushing its valuation to $1B+

The FAA is expected to certify continuous autopilot engagement for cargo planes within 18 to 24 months.

Reliable Robotics, an aviation startup founded by former SpaceX employees, has secured a $115 million funding extension for its Series D round, bringing the total for that round to $275 million and pushing the company's valuation beyond $1 billion. The funding includes $90 million in equity led by Nimble Partners and $25 million in debt from Silicon Valley Bank. The company is developing an autonomous flight system intended for existing aircraft and has raised a total of $380 million to date. Reliable Robotics is working on obtaining Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for several components of its system, including continuous autopilot engagement, a pilotless cockpit system, and an in-house developed solid-state collision-avoidance radar. The company also operates Reliable Airlines, a cargo carrier utilizing its technology, which is undergoing separate FAA certification.

The substantial funding injection and resulting unicorn valuation indicate strong investor confidence in the long-term viability of autonomous aviation, particularly for cargo transport. This milestone could accelerate the adoption of similar technologies across the industry, as investors may seek out other startups pursuing FAA certification for autonomous flight systems.

Reliable Robotics' progress toward FAA certification, including its proprietary solid-state radar, signals a potential shift in aviation technology standards. If successful, this could challenge established aerospace suppliers and pave the way for more efficient and cost-effective autonomous flight solutions, impacting both commercial cargo operations and potentially future passenger air travel.