Merlin Tests Autonomous Controls on KC-135

Company says the first flights gathered data on how to design and fine-tune the robotic controls.

Friday, August 09, 2024 at 11:08 AM ET

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Merlin Labs says first flights gathered data on how to design and fine-tune the robotic controls. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

Robotics company Merlin has successfully completed the first three autonomous control program flights on a KC-135 tanker aircraft at the Pittsburgh Air National Guard Base, operating under an Air Force waiver.
These flights represent the initial phase of Merlin's contracts to develop autonomous flight systems for various U.S. Air Force platforms, with the KC-135s being the first to undergo testing.
The primary purpose of these initial flights was to gather data to inform the design and fine-tune the robotic controls, crucial for enhancing USAF operational capacity, national security, safety, and efficiency.

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Robotics company Merlin says it has flown the first three flights in its autonomous control program on the KC-135.

The flights were conducted at the Pittsburgh Air National Guard Base under a waiver from the Air Force. Merlin has contracts to develop autonomous flight systems for several Air Force platforms and the 1960s-era tankers are the first in line.

READ MORE: U.S. Air Force, Merlin Partner for KC-135 Autonomous Flight Demo

Merlin said the first flights gathered data on how to design and fine-tune the robotic controls.

“Autonomous capabilities are essential to increasing operational capacity for the USAF and enhancing national security, emphasizing the importance of these data collection flights to properly inform the integration design ahead of flight demonstrations,” Merlin CEO Matt George said in a news release. “Over the last few months, we’ve achieved important milestones on the KC-135 that allow us to strengthen the relationship between the pilot and the aircraft as well as enhance safety and operational efficiency aboard a vital military aircraft.”

This article first appeared on AVweb.com.