Reliable Robotics announced $115 million in additional financing on October 20 to support its aircraft-autonomy program. The company says the extension brings its Series D financing to $275 million and its valuation above $1 billion.

The new capital includes a $25 million term loan from Silicon Valley Bank. TechCrunch reports that the remaining $90 million is equity financing led by returning investor Nimble Partners. The distinction matters: the headline amount is not entirely new equity investment.

Funding development, not a certified launch

Reliable says it will expand its aircraft fleet and production facilities and increase engineering hiring. Its Reliable Autonomy System is being developed for automated taxiing, takeoff, flight management and landing, with FAA certification work focused on the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan.

The company's announcement describes accepted certification planning and compliance milestones, but these do not amount to approval for unrestricted commercial autonomous operations.

Chief executive Robert Rose told TechCrunch that certification for continuous autopilot engagement, with a pilot still aboard, is expected in 18 to 24 months. Moving the pilot to a ground-control station would require a separate certification that he said remains at least three years away. Those are company estimates, not regulatory commitments.

Expanding the engineering footprint

Reliable also announced offices in Seattle and San Diego, with Seattle intended to become a development center for its radar program. The investment gives the company more resources to pursue aircraft automation, but certification remains the central hurdle between its development work and broader deployment.