Merlin Advances C-130J Autonomy Program With Preliminary Design Review
Merlin Labs has completed its preliminary design review (PDR) of an autonomy stack for the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft operated by the US Special Operations Command.
The PDR approved Merlin’s preliminary integration design and airworthiness approach for demonstration, marking a key step toward assured, certification-grade autonomy.
Completion of the PDR moves the program into the critical design phase in the coming months, with a first flight planned later this year on a modified aircraft.
“Completing the PDR is a pivotal milestone for our C-130J program, bringing us closer to delivering highly assured autonomy that elevates mission performance, enhances safety, and expands operational flexibility for Special Operations Forces,” CEO and founder of Merlin Matt George said.
“This work ensures our autonomy platform meets the rigorous safety standards required for operational deployment while driving the next wave of innovation in military aviation.”
Autonomy Across Special Operations Fleet
The contract, covering the preliminary and critical design reviews, was awarded in August 2024 as part of a broader five-year effort.
The $104-million effort supports the delivery of a production-ready, reduced-aircrew capability aircraft designed to enhance safety and operational flexibility for special operations forces.
Following the critical design review, the program will proceed to system integration, ground testing, and a series of takeoff-to-touchdown flight demonstrations.
Merlin is developing an AI-powered autonomy stack whose resulting solutions are expected to support the introduction of its autonomy technologies across the broader special operations fixed-wing fleet.
