Reliable Robotics’ Cessna 208 (also known as the Cessna Caravan) has completed an unmanned flight carrying cargo, the first unmanned flight of its kind in history. TV channel reports this CNN.
The company’s CEO, Robert Rose, explained the choice of the aircraft because this model is one of the most common in the world; As of 2023, more than three thousand copies have been produced.
“However, the problem with this aircraft is that it flies at lower altitudes and in more adverse weather conditions than many larger aircraft today. Therefore, it is much more dangerous to operate, and automation will go a long way in making these operations safer,” Rose explained.
The flight took place from Hollister Airport in Northern California and lasted 12 minutes. The unmanned control system relied on a remote operator controlling the aircraft from the ground. The company states that the remote pilot of such an aircraft must have exactly the same qualifications as the pilot of a conventional cargo plane.
Before that, SpaceX outgoing Launch the mysterious X-37B space plane for the US Army.
Previously SpaceX transferred Launch of the US Space Force’s unmanned space shuttle.