Merlin to Automate U.S. Special Operations Command C-130s

One of the requirements under the contract is that the transports be able to fly takeoff to touchdown without human intervention.

Russ Niles

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 05:05 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

A C-130J Super Hercules taxies down the runway at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Marietta, Ga. [Courtesy: Us-Indo Pacific Command]

Key Takeaways:

USSOCOM has awarded Merlin a $105 million contract to develop virtually autonomous C-130J Super Hercules transports.
A key requirement for these C-130J aircraft is the ability to fly entirely autonomously from takeoff to touchdown without human intervention.
The contract is an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) agreement designed to accelerate the rapid development and deployment of these autonomous capabilities for warfighters.
Merlin also holds a similar contract with the Air Force to automate KC-135 tanker aircraft.

See a mistake? Contact us.

The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has awarded a $105 million contract to Merlin to build virtually autonomously operated C-130J Super Hercules transports.

Although the description of the resulting aircraft is that they have “reduced aircrew capability,” one of the requirements for the contract is that they be able to fly takeoff to touchdown without human intervention.