Military Moves One Step Closer to Self-Flying C-130J

Merlin Labs completes preliminary design review for the integration of its autonomy system on the tactical and transport aircraft.

Jack Daleo

Friday, March 06, 2026 at 02:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Zach Cooke

Merlin Labs aims to integrate its autonomy system on the Super Hercules ahead of targeted flight demonstrations later this year. [Credit: Merlin Labs]

Key Takeaways:

Merlin Labs successfully completed the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for its C-130J Super Hercules autonomy program with U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).
This milestone advances the program towards achieving "certification-grade autonomy" for the C-130J, aiming for operations with minimal to no human input, with first demonstration flights anticipated later this year.
The C-130J autonomy program is a foundational step for Merlin Labs, intended to enable the expansion of its AI-powered autonomous flight system across various military and commercial aircraft.

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The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is one step closer to flying the C-130J Super Hercules—one of its workhorse tactical airlift and transport aircraft—with zero human input.

Boston-based Merlin Labs on Thursday announced the completion of preliminary design review (PDR) for its C-130J Super Hercules autonomy program with USSOCOM, under which it is working toward demonstration flights with a modified Hercules.