Merlin says the US Special Operations Command has awarded it an $8.9m task order to move its C-130J autonomy work forward, announced on 10 November. The order follows the completion of critical design milestones for Merlin Pilot, its autonomy system for the C-130J Super Hercules fleet.
The new phase prioritises system integration, ground test preparation, cybersecurity assessment and airworthiness acceptance. Work includes tuning flight control laws, human factors evaluations, system failure testing and simulated flight test dry runs, along with an updated airworthiness plan and an Interim Authorization to Test.
"This task order brings us closer to demonstrating how Merlin Pilot can reduce the demands on C-130J aircrews and expand the operational capacity of the aircraft," said chief executive and founder Matt George.
The programme, which aims to cut crew workload across every stage of flight, completed its Preliminary Design Review in March and its Critical Design Review in June.
Background
Special Operations Command
Organization
US command headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, established in 1987.
More stories about Special Operations Command
Merlin
Aviation autonomy company
US aviation autonomy company developing the Merlin Pilot system for the C-130J under a US Special Operations Command programme.
Merlin Pilot
Aircraft autonomy system
Merlin's autonomy system for the C-130J Super Hercules, aimed at reducing crew workload.
