Articles from Merlin

Merlin, the leading developer of assured, autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft, announced east coast flight operations at Quonset State Airport in North Kingston, Rhode Island. The flight test center houses Merlin’s certification-ready Cessna Caravan, the designated test aircraft for its supplemental type certificate (STC) program, and serves as the testbed for advancing the Merlin Pilot system, demonstrating the company’s ability to safely meet autonomy requirements for fixed-wing platforms.

Merlin, the leading developer of safe, autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft, today announced it was awarded a Part 145 Maintenance Certificate in New Zealand, which authorizes Merlin to conduct maintenance on aircraft operated by Part 121 and Part 135 organizations. The certification follows Merlin being awarded its Part 135 Organizational Certification in February 2024.

Merlin, the leading developer of safe, autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft, has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Technical Standard Order (TSO) authorization for its custom Remote Data Concentrator (RDC), developed in collaboration with Shadin Avionics. This FAA approval supports Merlin’s ability to create certified advanced automation for an aircraft platform, and marks a significant milestone in the ongoing flight test campaign of its certification-ready autonomy platform.

Merlin, the leading developer of safe, autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft, today announced a study in partnership with leading cargo airline, Quikjet, to assess pilot fatigue levels while in-flight. The intent of the study is to assess how wellness factors impact pilot performance, informing both new standards in safety and operational efficiency across airlines and the aviation industry as well as the ongoing design and development of the Merlin Pilot.

Merlin, the leading developer of safe, autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft, today released a whitepaper, Innovate to Elevate; Automation’s Role in the Ongoing Evolution of Aviation Safety, that explores how automation can drive the aviation industry toward a safer future. Released as new Trump administration officials and congressional staff seek insight into key industry priorities, the paper highlights critical safety challenges within the aviation ecosystem and proposes solutions through the integration of advanced automation and the expertise of human pilots.

Merlin, the leading developer of safe, autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft, today announced that its airworthiness plan for the Merlin Pilot KC-135 testing has been accepted by the United States Air Force (USAF). This joint USAF and Merlin project will evaluate the viability of scaling the Merlin Pilot to large transport aircraft, especially its innovative AI capabilities. Achieving this milestone demonstrates that Merlin’s system engineering processes are consistent with the airworthiness standards set by the USAF, and allows Merlin to progress towards aircraft integration, design completion, and testing operations.

Merlin, the leading developer of safe, autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft, today announced the expansion of its C-suite to continue progressing the development, certification, and execution of the Merlin Pilot. The hires include Krishnan Anand, the company’s first Chief Program Officer, who will be responsible for the management and strategic execution of Merlin’s ongoing and new autonomy programs. Anand brings a wealth of aerospace experience from roles at industry leading companies like Supernal, Wisk, and Lockheed Martin.

Merlin, the leading developer of safe, autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft, today announced it successfully began the flight test campaign of its certification-ready Cessna Caravan aircraft equipped with the Merlin Pilot. This campaign is a first for the industry and evidence of Merlin’s ability to create certified advanced automation for an aircraft platform, which, once proven, is extensible across additional aircraft types and classes, including the Merlin Pilot’s integration on the C-130J and the KC-135 in partnership with the United States Air Force.

Headline and photo caption should read: "Merlin Kicks Off KC-135 Test Flight Campaign with SNC to Progress Autonomous Capabilities for the United States Air Force" (instead of "Merlin Kicks Off KC-135 In-Flight Data Collection with SNC to Progress Autonomous Capabilities for the United States Air Force")

Merlin, the leading developer of safe, autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft, and EpiSys Science, Inc. (EpiSci), a software AI and autonomy company delivering groundbreaking solutions for dual-use applications, today announced that they have agreed to terms for the future acquisition of EpiSci by Merlin. With this strategic move, Merlin will solidify its position as the frontrunner in the autonomous aviation industry. Together the combined entity expands the suite of supported platforms to over 23 unique types, including operations on the X-62 VISTA, Cessna Caravan, F-16, L-29 Delfin, Berkut 540, C130J Super Hercules, KC-135 Stratotanker, multiple Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV), and small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS).

Merlin, a leading developer of safe autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft, today announced it has been awarded a $105M Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to begin working towards a production-ready reduced aircrew capability on Special Operations Forces (SOF) C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, the most-used cargo platform in the Department of Defense’s fleet. Utilizing Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) authorities, this contract allows Merlin to rapidly bring to production its advanced automation systems onboard the C-130J with contracted scope for introduction into the broader SOF fixed wing fleet.

Merlin, the leading developer of safe, autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft, today announced material advancements of safety-critical flight capabilities for the Merlin Pilot. Supporting its phased approach to autonomous flight, Merlin is pairing its advanced automation capabilities with human pilot expertise to build a comprehensive autonomy framework that underpins the full suite of pilot skills and supports a safer, more scalable and resilient air network.

Merlin, the aviation technology company developing the world’s most capable pilot to advance the future of automated flight, recently participated in data collection flights in the KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill Air Force Base to better understand crew workload drivers and gather data to expand the autonomous capabilities of the Merlin Pilot for military use cases.

Merlin, the aviation technology company developing the world’s most capable pilot to advance the future of automated flight, today announced its partnership with MIT Lincoln Laboratory (LL) in the first step towards an operational next generation collision avoidance technology. This partnership will see the two organizations explore the commercial adoption of the Airborne Collision Avoidance System Xu (ACAS Xu) on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The partnership will focus on the initial integration and further implementation of the ACAS Xu software standard (RTCA DO-386) with the Merlin Pilot, allowing Merlin to deliver enhanced automated collision avoidance measures based on the outputs from ACAS Xu that exceed the standards of the National Airspace System.

Merlin, the aviation technology company developing the world’s most capable pilot to advance the future of automated flight, today announced the completion of the design and build of the company’s Certification System Bench, which was built to the fidelity required for certification testing. The Certification System Bench is a flight test simulator with both certifiable software and hardware components that allows Merlin to constantly test its advanced automation systems from its Boston headquarters. Unlike traditional in-flight testing, the Certification System Bench can be utilized irrespective of weather, maintenance schedules, and pilot availability. Further, Merlin’s Certification System Bench features cameras that provide remote accessibility and testing abilities for Merlin’s distributed, global team, and also includes three screens that represent the pilot deck as well as accurate instrument panels and primary flight displays.

Merlin, the aviation technology company developing the world’s most capable pilot to advance the future of automated flight, today announced the appointment of three C-level executives to its leadership team. Soo Cho, a former Palantir executive with over a decade of people management and employment counsel experience, will serve as Merlin’s Chief Operating Officer leading the company’s people and internal business operations, including ongoing flight test campaigns. Additionally, Merlin appointed Patrick DePriest, its former Vice President of Finance, to Chief Financial Officer, as well as Grant Crenfeldt, its former Director of Operational Compliance and Safety, to Chief Executive Officer of Merlin New Zealand.

Merlin, the leading developer of safe, autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft, today announced it received a Part 135 Air Operators Certificate to support future operational freight routes in New Zealand. Upon the Merlin Pilot’s completed product certification by the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA), Merlin will be able to conduct critical data collection flights on selected regional freight routes, as well as leverage its dedicated test facility in Kerikeri for current and future certified products. Merlin opened this Kerikeri center for operations in May 2023, and has been progressing both organizational and product certification since its Project Specific Certification Plan (PSCP) was first approved in August 2021 by the CAA.

Merlin, the leading developer of safe, autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft, today announced it has entered into an agreement with the United States Air Force (USAF). In collaboration with Air Mobility Command (AMC) and Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Merlin will design, integrate, test, and demonstrate aspects of the Merlin Pilot on the KC-135 Stratotanker for the first time. The multi-year partnership is focused on using a stepwise approach starting with reducing crew workload, then proceeding to reduced crew operations. As the system gains experience and trust, it will pave the way for autonomous uncrewed operations of the KC-135; an unprecedented new capability for AMC and the USAF. Merlin and the USAF’s collaboration will include, but is not limited to, system integration, ground testing, and extended flight demonstrations.

Merlin, the aviation technology company developing the world’s most capable pilot to advance the future of automated flight, today announced the appointment of Tim Trank as the company’s Part 25 Certification Manager. Trank is responsible for advancing the company’s Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) and airworthiness programs on Part 25 aircraft with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and United States Military to certify its highly automated flight system, the Merlin Pilot. Trank comes to Merlin with over two decades of avionics integration and certification experience from L3Harris and Honeywell, where he specialized in avionic retrofit certification (traffic alert and collision avoidance systems, transponders, windshear, ADS-B In/Out, standby display, air data, weather radar, electronic flight bags, engine maintenance, and more).

Merlin, the aviation technology company developing the world’s most capable pilot to advance the future of automated flight, today announced that it has been named to Fast Company’s third annual Next Big Things in Tech list, honoring technology breakthroughs that promise to shape the future of industries – from healthcare and security to artificial intelligence and data.

Merlin, the aviation technology company developing the world’s most capable pilot to advance the future of automated flight, today announced it successfully completed 25 test flights in Alaska following a $1 million contract with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to demonstrate a highly-automated flight control system in conjunction with a safety pilot. In partnership with the FAA-designated University of Alaska Fairbanks UAS Test Site and Everts Air Cargo, the test flights reached rural areas using crewed aircraft augmented with its integrated hardware and software solution, the Merlin Pilot.

Merlin, the leading developer of safe, autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft, today announced the opening of its center for operations in Kerikeri, New Zealand. With the opening of this facility, Merlin is now equipped with a dedicated test environment to support further technological development and certification activities of its New Zealand-based Cessna Caravans that underpin the capability, safety, and effectiveness of its autonomous flight technology. Merlin has also partnered with Freightways New Zealand to deliver freight to northern New Zealand, creating a multi-purpose facility that provides substantial and invaluable first-hand experience in freight carrier operations.

Merlin, the leading developer of safe, autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft, today announced the appointments of retired Major General Kyle Kremer and Preston Dunlap to its Federal Advisory Board as it continues the market expansion and commercialization of its dual-use integrated hardware and software solution, the Merlin Pilot. Dunlap and Maj. Gen. Kremer’s appointments come on the heels of several recent milestones by Merlin. These include Merlin’s recently awarded FAA Contract to deploy the Nation’s first Air Cargo Network flown by a non human pilot and achieving the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of New Zealand’s first Stage of Involvement (SOI 1) certification, and the opening of its center for operations in Kerikeri, New Zealand as the test environment for further technological development and certification activities of its Cessna Caravans.

Merlin, the leading developer of safe, autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft, today announced that the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand have concluded their review of Merlin's first stage of involvement (SOI 1) and have approved the Plan for Software Aspects of Certification (PSAC). This milestone significantly reduces risk and puts the Merlin Pilot on a viable path to validation and certification. In the CAA system this is the first civil certification of software; the CAA’s four step certification process ensures safety-critical software achieves in-air operability. The Merlin Pilot’s CAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) is on a concurrent validation pathway with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement. After meticulous evaluation, Merlin is the only takeoff to touchdown advanced automation system to date to achieve SOI 1, which greenlights the development of its flight control software and lays the groundwork for the Merlin Pilot to be the first advanced automation system validated by the FAA. Today’s milestone comes just one year after Merlin’s initial PSCP was accepted in Q1 2022 underscoring the company’s industry-leading certification and regulatory cadence.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded Merlin, the leading developer of safe autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft, a $1 million contract to demonstrate a highly automated flight control system in conjunction with a safety pilot. In partnership with the FAA designated University of Alaska Fairbanks UAS Test Site and Everts Air Cargo, the Merlin Pilot will be the first autonomy system integrated into the NAS. Flight trials will run along three test routes serving five destinations. All test routes originate from the FAA designated UAS Alaska test site in Q2 2023.

Merlin, the leading developer of safe autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft, today announced the appointment of Travis Mason as the company’s first Chief Policy Officer. Mason will lead Merlin's team of certification, compliance, and engineering experts charged with certifying the company's autonomous technology to meet aviation’s rigorous safety, quality, and performance standards. Mason comes to Merlin with over 12 years of leadership experience accelerating the approval and adoption of emerging technologies in heavily regulated industries across the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia.

Merlin, the leading developer of safe autonomous flight technology for fixed-wing aircraft, today announced the appointment of two executives to advance the company’s market expansion and commercialize its integrated hardware and software solution, the Merlin Pilot. Merlin appointed Rick Wilson as its Vice President of Engineering, where he will lead the technical implementation and commercialization of the Merlin Pilot in addition to hiring across the company’s avionics and autonomy engineering team. Austin Pugh, the company’s first Vice President of Government Business Development, will focus on the global and domestic expansion into defense and broader public sector markets. The leadership expansion comes on the heels of Merlin’s $105 million Series B funding round led by Snowpoint and Baille Gifford alongside key partnerships with the United States Air Force, the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority, and the FAA.