Merlin’s modified Cessna Grand Caravan 208B takes flight over the Mojave Desert in California. [Courtesy: Merlin Labs]
Key Takeaways:
Merlin Labs has commenced test flights for its "Merlin Pilot" autonomous flight system, designed to achieve certification for aircraft to fly without human pilots.
The system aims to replicate human pilot skills for all flight phases, including takeoff, landing, and digitized air traffic control communication using natural language processing.
The certification campaign, utilizing a modified Cessna Grand Caravan, seeks an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) and is being concurrently developed for critical U.S. military applications.
Self-flying aircraft may be closer to takeoff than you think.
On Thursday, Boston-based Merlin Labs announced it began what it claims is the first test campaign of a certification-ready, takeoff-to-touchdown autonomous flight system. The company’s Merlin Pilot is designed to one day allow small aircraft to fly with no humans on board.
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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.
