FutureFlight
Merlin Extends Autonomous Flight Trials to New Zealand
The company is seeking concurrent U.S. and New Zealand approval for the supplemental type certificate under which it will convert the flight decks of existing aircraft.
Merlin plans to convert existing aircraft to use its autonomous flight control technology.
Merlin says it has conducted more than 500 flights with its autonomous technology. (Image: Merlin)

Autonomous flight technology developer Merlin has opened a test facility at Kerikeri in New Zealand. The Boston-based company is using a pair of Cessna Caravan aircraft for flight testing as part of the process to achieve certification for the Merlin Pilot system with the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA).

According to Merlin, it has conducted more than 500 autonomous flights so far, with development work also being done at its Mojave, California test center. It is also seeking FAA approval for the supplemental type certificate (STC) under which it will convert existing aircraft that could also include Textron King Air twin turboprops.

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