GE Aerospace and Merlin Labs have announced a collaboration to build an artificial intelligence (AI)–powered autonomy platform for military and civilian aircraft.
The system, called “Autonomy Core,” is designed to support single-pilot operations, reduce crew workload, and enable unmanned flight, reflecting aviation’s growing shift toward automation.
The platform will combine GE Aerospace’s flight management systems, which are used on over 14,000 aircraft worldwide, with Merlin’s autonomy software, avionics packages, and Datalink technology.
According to the consortium, the project will create a standardized framework for high-assurance aircraft systems, usable on both older and next-generation planes.
“At GE Aerospace we’re constantly working to find innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Matt Burns, general manager of Avionics Systems at GE Aerospace.
“Working with Merlin, we’re able … to unlock new capabilities that will redefine what’s possible for next-generation autonomous flight. This represents an important step forward in aviation autonomy.”
First Deployment on KC-135 Program
The platform’s first deployment is planned for the US Air Force’s ongoing program to replace aging cockpit components on the KC-135 Stratotanker, an aerial refueling aircraft in service since the 1950s.
This console refresh initiative also addresses supply chain challenges and aims to keep the refueling fleet mission-ready.
Merlin already has agreements with the Air Force Materiel Command to test autonomous systems on the KC-135, a first step toward unmanned flight.
The companies said the partnership could eventually expand to transport, refueling, and civilian aircraft, offering a scalable, certifiable autonomy system for multiple platforms and supporting ongoing air force modernization efforts.
“Our national security relies heavily on our continued air power dominance, and integrated systems that allow for the use of autonomy-focused solutions are essential to that ongoing strength,” said Matt George, CEO of Merlin.
“GE Aerospace’s legacy of providing systems of record to commercial and government customers enables us to rapidly bring complementary capabilities to market.”
“By teaming with GE Aerospace, we are able to pair their open system architecture with Merlin’s autonomy capabilities to create and deliver the next generation of avionics systems, extending our work with existing customers, expanding the volume and types of platforms we support, and accelerating our revenue growth.”
