🛫 Autonomous system designed to fly itself from takeoff to touchdown

• Merlin's autonomous flight system is built to handle the entire flight, from takeoff to touchdown, and can reduce crew workload.
• The technology is designed to fly several types of large aircraft, including commercial jets and military transport planes.
• The system for the C-130J transport aircraft has completed a critical design review and will now be integrated into the aircraft and tested.

Built for the entire flight

Merlin's system, called Merlin Pilot, is designed to operate from takeoff to touchdown. It is meant to manage the aircraft's systems, monitor the environment, and handle communications. The company says the technology can reduce crew workload during all phases of flight.

The system is intended to be compatible with several types of aircraft, including commercial jets from Airbus and Boeing as well as various military designs. On May 14, Merlin presented a version for commercial freight, Merlin Pilot for Commercial Cargo. The company says the technology can improve aviation safety by preventing accidents caused by human error. The system also enables a model in which a single pilot can sit alone in the cockpit of aircraft normally flown by two pilots.

The review is complete

Aerospace and defense company Merlin has completed a critical design review for its autonomous flight system for the C-130J transport aircraft. The review was conducted together with U.S. Special Operations Command, USSOCOM. According to the company, the review confirms that the system's design is finished and ready for the next step.

With the review complete, the program moves from design work to integration into the aircraft. A formal test campaign follows, including aircraft-level testing. The company describes the work as a step-by-step process from design to verification, through ground tests and later flight demonstrations.

Part of a larger contract

The review is part of a previously awarded contract between Merlin and USSOCOM. The contract's total ceiling value is more than 100 million dollars. Under the agreement, Merlin is developing its AI-powered autonomy technology onboard the C-130J. The company sees possible ways to expand the technology to other military platforms and to civil aviation.

Tests on several aircraft types

Merlin has tested its system during several hundred flights with various types of aircraft. In these projects, the company has equipped a Cessna Grand Caravan with autonomous technology, among others. A preliminary design review of the C-130J-specific system was completed in March.

Merlin was founded in 2021. On March 16, the company became publicly traded through a combination with Inflection Point Acquisition Corp IV. In connection with the deal, Merlin secured 200 million dollars. In April, an additional 80 million dollars in financing was added.

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