Xwing aligns with Textron to boost autonomous technology

Xwing, a San Francisco-based developer of pilotless flight software and a Part 135 cargo operator, has signed a development agreement with Textron Aviation to integrate its auto flight technologies into existing and future aircraft, beginning with Textron’s Cessna Grand Caravan, and is seeking approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to bring its autonomous technology to market. Xwing has previously piloted its remote-pilot and autonomous technology with Cessna aircraft, and the partnership aims to open up the platform, and accelerate the pathway from pilot to reality. [caption id="attachment_416786" align="alignright" width="560"] Xwing performed its first autonomous flight with a Grand Caravan last year. (Photo/Xwing)[/caption] “Cessna Grand Caravan single-engine utility turboprops have long been Xwing’s aircraft of choice. Best suited and reliable for the air cargo industry, Cessna’s Grand Caravan fleet has accumulated millions of flight hours, said Marc Piette, CEO and founder of Xwing in a joint statement. Xwing’s Autoflight system retrofits existing piloted aircraft with software that integrates with onboard flight control systems that allow the aircraft to navigate, take off and land autonomously in a pilot-optional environment. Aircraft equipped with the technology also are designed to be supervised by remote operators who work with air traffic controllers to ensure safety throughout the flight. Xwing estimates its model can increase aircraft operator utilization by three times, equating to a cost savings of 20% to 30% for the $142.4 billion U.S. air cargo transportation market. “The general aviation industry is ripe for new technologies. Textron has many of the most proven and scalable aviation solutions in the industry, and we are pleased to be the place where innovators like Xwing come for aircraft platforms,” said Chris Hearne, senior vice president of engineering at Textron Aviation. The developer did not comment on the regulatory pathway for autonomous Caravan flights within the United States, but has previously expressed optimism for around 2025. Xwing last year conducted numerous flights that tested autonomous take-off and landing in a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, and completed a 730-mile autonomous air cargo delivery in the aircraft from Buchanan Field Airport (CCR) in Concord, Calif., to the Winslow-Lindbergh Regional Airport (INW) in Arizona to deliver personal protective equipment and school supplies to the Navajo Nation Reservation. The developer recently signed a memorandum of understanding for a proposed development partnership with London-based global satellite network operator Inmarsat to create a dedicated terminal and associated services for autonomous aircraft, utilizing the Inmarsat Velaris UAV connectivity solution. In addition to the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, Textron has assembled and operated a test flight for the freighter-configured Cessna SkyCourier 408 , a 2.7-tonne capacity aircraft capable of holding up to three LD3 containers. Launch customer FedEx has fifty of the aircraft of firm order and expects to take delivery in 2022. Textron declined further comment on the development of the Xwing agreement. Cargo Facts Symposium, taking place LIVE Oct. 25-27 at the Wynn Las Vegas, is the essential event for stakeholders in the air cargo industry. Learn more and register at www.cargofactssymposium.com .

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