Merlin rolls out autonomous flight technology envisioned for large jets

Merlin also has defence ambitions and is developing autonomous systems for a Lockheed Martin C130J.

US start-up Merlin, which has for several years been flying conventional aircraft modified for autonomous operations, is rolling out a new autonomy system intended for various types of large commercial aircraft, starting with cargo types.

The company on 14 May revealed “Merlin Pilot for Commercial Cargo”, a technology Merlin says incorporates AI, will handle all phases of flight and can improve aviation safety by preventing human-related accidents. The system can also enable “augmented operations”, allowing for a single pilot to be alone in the cockpit of aircraft typically operated by two pilots.

“Merlin Pilot works alongside pilots in real-time to extend crew capabilities and scale operations beyond the limits of the traditional model,” the company says. “Integrating into existing and new cargo aircraft, Merlin Pilot is designed to provide operators a practical pathway to autonomy.”

Merlin, based in Boston, envisions its technology as compatible with multiple aircraft types, including Airbus and Boeing commercial jets and a variety of military designs.

The company is designing its autonomy to operate from “take-off to touchdown” and to “manage systems, monitor the environment and handle communications”.

Merlin has tested its Pilot system during “hundreds” of flights using various aircraft types. Its projects have included equipping a Cessna Grand Caravan with autonomous technology.

Merlin is also developing the system to control a Lockheed Martin C-130J as part of a contract programme with US Special Operational Command. The company completed a preliminary design review of the C-130J-specific autonomous system in March.

Merlin came on the scene in 2021, promising to revolutionise autonomous aircraft control technology.

On 16 March, the firm became publicly traded when it completed a combination with Inflection Point Acquisition Corp IV — a so-called ‘special purpose acquisition company” formed specifically for the purpose of bringing another firm public.

With that deal, Merlin secured $200 million in funding. Then in April it revealed an agreement to secure another $80 million in financing.