Overview
- Merlin says the Preliminary Design Review validates its integration design and airworthiness approach for installing the Merlin Pilot on the C-130J.
- The company expects to hold a Critical Design Review within the next few months, with a first flight targeted later this year, according to its CTO’s comments reported by Aviation Week.
- Following CDR, the plan calls for system integration and ground testing before takeoff-to-touchdown flight demonstrations with USSOCOM.
- USSOCOM awarded Merlin an IDIQ contract valued up to $105 million in June 2024, including a $15.9 million task order in August 2024 that funded the PDR and upcoming CDR.
- Merlin notes hardware changes to the C-130J flight controls and additional airworthiness work are required, and it emphasizes certification-grade autonomy as the standard for operational use.