U.S. Air Force Approves Merlin's Airworthiness Plan for Autonomous KC-135 | Aviation International News

Regulations and Government

USAF Approves Merlin's Airworthiness Plan for Autonomous KC-135

Inflight refueling aircraft slated for first autonomous flight in 2025

KC-135 Stratotanker — The Merlin Pilot will enabled reduced-crew operations of the KC-135 aerial refueling platform.

By Hanneke Weitering • Science & Technology Editor

November 14, 2024

The U.S. Air Force has accepted Merlin’s airworthiness plan for a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker retrofitted with its autonomous flight control system, called Merlin Pilot. Announcing the news on November 12, the Boston-based company said it aims to begin flight demonstrations with the Merlin Pilot-equipped KC-135 inflight refueling platform in 2025.

Merlin’s airworthiness plan outlines its approach to obtaining and maintaining military airworthiness approval for the Merlin Pilot KC-135, which the company is developing in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force’s Air Mobility Command and Air Force Materiel Command. Meanwhile, the company is working with the U.S. Special Operations Command to automate the C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Merlin

Boeing

Groups Asks FAA To Pause Single-pilot Exemption Decision

Associations say it makes no sense to punish compliant pilots

Regulations and Government

Coalition Urges FAA To Widen Duty and Rest Rule

Rule as proposed addresses only Part 121 carriers

Regulations and Government

A focused view of an airline pilot in the cockpit, emphasizing responsibility and aviation control.

Updated Nimbl Guide Pinpoints Relevant Part 91 LOAs

Free guide covers 12 LOAs and typical turnaround

Regulations and Government

Cover up LOA Guide

FAA Alleges Illegal Ops by Aircraft Management Provider

The company has 30 days to respond to the charges

Regulations and Government

FAA headquarters sign

Senate OKs Bill To Encourage Aviation Mental Health Care

Similar bill passed House

Regulations and Government

US Capitol rotunda

Canada Issues Guidance for Single-pilot SOP Mandate

Guidance calls for hard weather triggers, no-fault turnarounds

Regulations and Government

China’s eVTOL Pioneers Crave Access to Western Markets

AAM consultant says U.S. and China players would benefit from partnership

Regulations and Government

EHang visit by U.S. Senator Steve Daines

U.S. GAO: National Airspace Comms Vulnerable to Spoofing

GAO makes nine recommendations to strengthen FAA cybersecurity

Regulations and Government