Fedex tests new flight system with no pilot
A Fedex Express aircraft recently took flight without a pilot aboard to test the potential of autonomous flight.
The Cessna 208 Caravan (C208) owned by Fedex performed an automated landing on June 30, video by Reliable Robotics, the company performing the test flights, shows. The remotely piloted flight occurred at San Martin Airport in California.
Fedex uses C208 aircraft as part of its Express feeder network, flying cargo to markets too small for Fedex’s much larger Boeing and Airbus jets.
San Francisco-based Reliable Robotics also performed a test with a Cessna 172 Skyhawk, in which the aircraft automatically took off and landed. The company said in a news release both tests are “historic firsts for global aviation.”
“By bringing advanced automation to aviation, we will deliver higher safety, reliability and convenience for cargo operators and eventually for passengers,” said Robert Rose, Reliable Robotics co
founder and CEO, in a statement.
The release said Reliable Robotics is working with the Federal Aviation Administration “on incrementally bringing this technology to market, having already demonstrated automated landing on the C208 last month.” The company designed and built the autonomous platform, which it says can be applied to any fixed-wing aircraft.
Fedex is not mentioned in Reliable Robotics’ news release or video on the testing, but Fedex owns the aircraft shown in both, according to registry information from aviation data company Flightaware. In response to a request for comment, Fedex said it “is not in discussions with Reliable Robotics.”
The aircraft used in the test last performed a flight on July 15 within San Martin. Out of the 646 aircraft owned by Fedex as of May 31, 235 were Cessna 208B aircraft.
Fedex is not shy about exploring the potential of automated deliveries. Its autonomous delivery robot Roxo is being prepared for a second round of testing as the company works on progressing legislation and regulatory approvals for it.
Fedex is also looking into drone deliveries. In 2019, the Memphis logistics giant took part in the country’s first scheduled commercial drone delivery to a home. The collaboration with Wing Aviation and Walgreens sought to demonstrate how drones can deliver packages to rural residences.
Max Garland covers Fedex, logistics and health care for The Commercial Appeal. Reach him at max.garland@commercialappeal.com or 901-529-2651 and on Twitter @Maxgarlandtypes.