Cessna 208B Aircraft Demos Autonomous Flight with AFWERX, Xwing Inc. Technology

AFWERX Autonomy Prime partner Xwing Inc. recently completed an autonomous logistics mission using its Cessna 208B at McClellan Airfield in Sacramento, California, on Jan. 26, 2024.

Airmen observed from a ground control station as the autonomous flight technology allowed the aircraft to taxi, take off, fly to a destination, avoid obstacles, and land without any human input.

Airmen, briefed by Xwing employees, watched a live feed of the Cessna performing autonomous takeoffs and landings at the Yolo County Airport in Davis, California. The demonstration unexpectedly turned into an operational test when Air Force leaders requested the Xwing aircraft to pick up cargo at March Air Reserve Base, California, and deliver it to McClellan Airfield, challenging the autonomous technology's capabilities.

AFWERX has awarded Xwing two Small Business Innovation Research contracts to optimize the technology for future missions.

The Autonomy Prime program, a division within AFWERX, collaborates with the private sector, such as Xwing Inc., to expedite testing and deliver technology to the military. Autonomy Prime invited Air Force leaders to witness the demonstration at McClellan Airfield, emphasizing potential contributions to the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept.

Maj. Thomas Davis, Pacific Air Forces Future Capabilities branch chief, acknowledged potential applications of autonomous technologies in dispersed logistics, supporting the ACE concept and addressing manpower shortages within the Air Force.

Xwing's autonomous aircraft, N101XW, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, has flown over 500 autonomous flight hours across 250 flights since its first autonomous flight in 2020. The autonomous logistics mission demonstrated the aircraft's capability to fly roughly 1,150 miles with 1,200 pounds of cargo, showcasing potential benefits for the Air Force.