A new, 19-month contract expands on Merlin’s existing work with the U.S. Air Force to automate the controls on the KC-135 Stratotanker. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force]
Key Takeaways:
The U.S. Air Force has awarded Merlin Labs a 19-month contract to develop self-flying tanker capabilities for various missions, including aerial refueling and intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR).
This initiative aims to automate dynamic flight re-planning, significantly reduce pilot workload, enable extended-crew operations, and eventually allow for fully uncrewed tanker missions.
Merlin Labs will integrate its "Merlin Pilot" autonomy system, initially focusing on the KC-135 Stratotanker, with goals for fleet-wide integration across the USAF and achieving FAA airworthiness certification.
The U.S. Air Force is exploring the use of self-flying tankers for aerial refueling and other missions under a new contract.
Boston-based Merlin Labs is the beneficiary of the 19-month, undisclosed value contract—first reported by FLYING—that aims to give current and future American tankers the ability to adapt missions on the fly without human intervention.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
