Key facts
- Merlin's AI-powered autonomous flight software for the C-130J has completed its critical design review.
- The program will now enter a structured formal test campaign, including aircraft-level testing.
- The Merlin AI Pilot aims to automate flight operations for the C-130J from takeoff to touchdown.
- Merlin is exploring expansion of its AI autonomy stack to other Department of War or commercial aviation platforms.
Aerospace and defense technology firm Merlin saw its shares jump 28% in premarket trading following the announcement that its AI-powered autonomous flight software for the C-130J Super Hercules cargo plane has successfully completed its critical design review (CDR) with the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).
Merlin stated that the CDR is a crucial milestone where the customer reviews the detailed system design and accepts its maturity for progression towards aircraft-level testing. This achievement positions the program to enter a structured formal test campaign, reflecting a systematic engineering approach from design to verification. The Merlin AI Pilot is designed to automate all flight operations for the C-130J, from takeoff to landing, and is envisioned as an 'operating system' for autonomous aviation.