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 autonomously operated C-130J Super Hercules transports.
A core requirement for these aircraft is the ability to fly completely without human intervention from takeoff to touchdown, while being described as having "reduced aircrew capability."
The indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract aims to accelerate the transition of advanced autonomous flight capabilities from testing to production for military application.

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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.