Military Moves One Step Closer to Self-Flying C-130J

Merlin Labs completes preliminary design review for the integration of its autonomy system on the tactical and transport aircraft.

Jack Daleo

Friday, March 06, 2026 at 02:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Zach Cooke

Merlin Labs aims to integrate its autonomy system on the Super Hercules ahead of targeted flight demonstrations later this year. [Credit: Merlin Labs]

Key Takeaways:

Merlin Labs successfully completed the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for its C-130J Super Hercules autonomy program with USSOCOM, a crucial step towards integrating autonomous flight capabilities into the aircraft.
This milestone validates the Merlin Pilot system's design for the C-130J, clearing the path for critical design review and planned flight demonstrations later this year, with the goal of achieving "certification-grade autonomy."
The C-130J program is central to Merlin Labs' broader strategy, as the same autonomous technology is being developed for other military aircraft like the KC-135 tanker and explored for various commercial applications, aiming for wider industry certification.

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The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is one step closer to flying the C-130J Super Hercules—one of its workhorse tactical airlift and transport aircraft—with zero human input.

Boston-based Merlin Labs on Thursday announced the completion of preliminary design review (PDR) for its C-130J Super Hercules autonomy program with USSOCOM, under which it is working toward demonstration flights with a modified Hercules.