Aviation technology firm Skyryse has successfully closed an oversubscribed Series C funding round, raising over $300 million and elevating its valuation beyond the $1 billion unicorn threshold. This significant capital injection is set to accelerate the final stages of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for its groundbreaking SkyOS flight automation system. The technology aims to fundamentally enhance aviation safety and accessibility by simplifying aircraft operation across various platforms.
Securing Unicorn Status with Strategic Investment
The funding round was led by Autopilot Ventures and returning investor Fidelity Management & Research Company, with notable participation from ArrowMark Partners and the Qatar Investment Authority. This latest round brings Skyryse's total equity capital raised to more than $605 million, reflecting strong investor confidence in its vision. The company stands out as an independent, founder-led entity developing dual-use technology for both civilian and defense markets.
These new funds are primarily earmarked for completing the rigorous FAA certification process and scaling the deployment of SkyOS technology. The capital will support continued expansion across different aircraft, including the world's most versatile helicopters like the Black Hawk. This financial milestone provides the necessary resources for Skyryse to transition from development and testing to widespread commercial and military application.
Revolutionizing the Cockpit with SkyOS
At its core, SkyOS is a universal flight operating system designed to replace complex, conventional mechanical controls with an intuitive, simplified interface. Pilots interact with the aircraft using a single four-axis joystick and two touchscreens, automating difficult maneuvers with simple inputs like a finger swipe. This system is engineered to manage an aircraft safely through standard operations, challenging weather, and emergencies.
Safety is the paramount focus of the SkyOS architecture, which features the world's first automated autorotation capability to manage engine-out emergencies in helicopters. The system is built on triply redundant flight control computers that meet the FAA's most stringent 10⁻⁹ reliability standards. These innovations work in concert to reduce pilot workload and significantly mitigate the risk of human error during flight.
A Pathway to Certification and Market Adoption
Skyryse has already made substantial regulatory progress, having received final design approval from the FAA for its flight control computers in 2025. The company is currently engaged in FAA For-Credit flight testing, which represents the final phase before achieving full certification. This clear pathway paves the way for the system's official entry into the market.
The first production aircraft to feature the technology, the Skyryse One, is based on the Robinson R66 platform and has already sold out its first edition, with deliveries planned for 2026. Market potential is further amplified by the FAA’s new MOSAIC rule, which supports simplified vehicle operations (SVO) like SkyOS. This rule could potentially reduce pilot training requirements by up to 50 percent for SVO-equipped aircraft.
Demonstrating Versatility Across Platforms
A key strength of SkyOS is its aircraft-agnostic design, which has been proven on a diverse range of platforms from helicopters to fixed-wing planes. Skyryse has successfully flown the system on the Cirrus SR-22 airplane and has secured partnerships to integrate it into Airbus, Bell, and Pilatus models. This versatility has attracted partners across every major aviation sector, including emergency medical services, law enforcement, and firefighting.
The system's robust capabilities were highlighted by its rapid 91-day integration and successful flight on a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. During testing, SkyOS performed an automated pickup, hover, and setdown, demonstrating its maturity and potential for demanding military applications. This achievement confirms the system's scalability and its readiness for deployment on some of the world's most complex and widely used aircraft.
This latest funding round marks a pivotal moment for Skyryse, providing the validation and capital to bring its transformative technology to the global aviation market. By simplifying flight controls and embedding advanced safety features, SkyOS is poised to make flying significantly safer and more accessible. The company's progress signals a new era in aviation, where automation enhances pilot capability and redefines operational standards.