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

NASA has launched a partnership with autonomous flight specialist Reliable Robotics to support the integration of large uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) into the U.S. National Airspace System. The new collaboration announced on August 5 under the Space Act Agreement will focus on scaling up UAS applications for cargo and air transportation operations.
California-based Reliable Robotics has been tasked with conducting simulations for autonomous aircraft operations in three phases. These cover human-in-the-loop detect and avoid, lost command and control link, and interactions as aircraft enter and depart airports.
The agency will work with Reliable Robotics on joint research, data collection, test planning, systems integration as part of wider work to develop UAS operational standards and procedures. The partners have <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-03-26/reliable-robotics-gains-fresh-funding-autonomous-flight-tech">previously worked</a> on detect and avoid testing to validate the use of surveillance radars.
“The path to high-reliability, uncrewed aircraft systems is through rigorous testing and validation,” said Shivanjli Sharma, air traffic management and exploration project manager at NASA’s Ames Research Center. “This collaboration underscores both Relibable Robotics’ and NASA’s commitment to advancing autonomous aviation safety and efficiency.”
In July, the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2025-07-29/us-air-force-taps-reliable-robotics-develop-autonomy-architecture">U.S. Air Force</a> signed a research and development agreement covering autonomous collaborative platforms. The service’s Autonomy-Government Reference Architecture is intended to establish an open standard multiple UAS manufacturers could use as a framework for developing new aircraft.

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

NASA Teams With Reliable Robotics On Large UAS Airspace Integration 

Partnership builds on previous work on detect and avoid technology 

Reliable Robotics and NASA will simulate multiple aspects of operations large uncrewed aircraft systems in the U.S. National Airspace System.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

Part 108 rule would expand business opportunities for drone operators

NBAA: Proposed BVLOS Rules To Benefit UAS Providers 

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Flights connecting Zhuhai and Guangzhou carried seafood and medical samples

EHang Conducts Cargo Delivery Service Demo with VT-20 Autonomous eVTOL

Hanneke Weitering

Merlin is one of six autonomy specialists joining Northrop’s Beacon Project

Northrop Grumman and Merlin Partner on Autonomous Flight

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Company will inform standards for military autonomous collaborative platforms, including uncrewed air systems

U.S. Air Force Taps Reliable Robotics To Develop Autonomy Architecture

Customers can purchase Parrot's drone or add its AI Autopilot to their own UAVs.

Parrot Launches Military Drone for Ukraine Conflict, Plus AI Autopilot System for UAVs

Amy Wilder

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

More In Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

NBAA: Proposed BVLOS Rules To Benefit UAS Providers

Part 108 rule would expand business opportunities for drone operators

EHang Conducts Cargo Delivery Service Demo with VT-20 Autonomous eVTOL

Flights connecting Zhuhai and Guangzhou carried seafood and medical samples

Northrop Grumman and Merlin Partner on Autonomous Flight

Merlin is one of six autonomy specialists joining Northrop’s Beacon Project

U.S. Air Force Taps Reliable Robotics To Develop Autonomy Architecture

Company will inform standards for military autonomous collaborative platforms, including uncrewed air systems

Parrot Launches Military Drone for Ukraine Conflict, Plus AI Autopilot System for UAVs

Customers can purchase Parrot's drone or add its AI Autopilot to their own UAVs.

Drones Flying Too High, FAA-backed Study Finds

Data suggests new rules needed as drone use expands

Textron eAviation Expands Its Uncrewed Aircraft Family with Pipistrel’s Nuuva V300

Aircraft like this could change how cargo is transported.

Joby Flies Hydrogen-powered UAS for 9 Hours

Hydrogen-electric JAI30 aircraft remains shrouded in secrecy

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN