Acceptance of the "airworthiness plan" allows the KC-135 autonomous flight test program to get underway, Merlin said. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force]
Key Takeaways:
The U.S. Air Force has approved Merlin's plan to integrate an AI-driven robotic flight system, Merlin Pilot, into its KC-135 Stratotanker fleet.
The AI system is scheduled to begin flying the converted Boeing 707s in 2025, aiming to enhance pilot efficiency and national security.
This acceptance of Merlin's airworthiness plan allows the company to proceed with the system's integration, design completion, and flight testing on the KC-135s.
The U.S. Air Force has signed off on a plan to put AI in the left seat of its KC-135 tanker fleet.
Autonomous flight developer Merlin announced it will begin flying the converted Boeing 707s, among the oldest airframes in the fleet, with Merlin Pilot, an AI-driven robotic flight system, in 2025.
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
Russ Niles is Editor-in-Chief of AVweb. He has been a pilot for 30 years and joined AVweb 22 years ago. He and his wife Marni live in southern British Columbia where they also operate a small winery.
