Avionics
Merlin Autonomy Vision Raises Questions of Alaska's Preparedness
Merlin completed a round of trials of its autonomous tech in Alaska
Merlin Caravan (Photo: Merlin)
Merlin, completed a 25-flight trial of its Merlin Pilot autonomous flight technology in Alaska between June and July, supported by a $1 million award from the FAA last April. (Photo: Merlin)

Aviation technology company Merlin, formerly Merlin Labs, completed a 25-flight trial of its Merlin Pilot autonomous flight technology in Alaska earlier this summer. Operated between June and July, the flights were supported by a widely announced $1 million award from the FAA last April.

Merlin has drawn considerable attention for its efforts to commercialize its Merlin Pilot flight control system, and the Alaska activity came on the heels of announcements for $105 million in Series B funding, a partnership with the U.S. Air Force to retrofit the C-130J Super Hercules with the Merlin flight control system, and large-scale fleet conversion agreements from Ameriflight and Dynamic Aviation.

In this article