AI is learning to fly airplanes — and aviation is starting to embrace it

The small Cessna Caravan accelerates down the runway and climbs into the air, all while the pilot beside me keeps his hands off the controls.
Flying

Merlin Developing Autonomous Flight Tech With Air Force Pilot Input

Merlin Labs collaborated with the U.S. Air Force on KC-135 Stratotanker flights to gather data for its Merlin Pilot autonomous flight system. The Merlin Pilot system aims to reduce pilot workload, ...
Flying

Air Force Eyes Merlin Autonomy System for Entire Tanker Fleet

The U.S. Air Force is exploring the use of self-flying tankers for aerial refueling and other missions under a new contract. Boston-based Merlin Labs is the beneficiary of the 19-month, undisclosed ...
The Boston Globe

Self-flying plane startup lands $105 million defense contract

Boston-based Merlin, a startup that makes software to automate aircraft, has been awarded $105 million by the US Special Operations Command, part of the Department of Defense. Merlin is to develop a ...
The Boston Globe

You’ve heard of self-driving cars. What about self-flying planes?

Robot vacuum cleaners are one thing. Robot cars, too. But robot airplanes? A Boston startup called Merlin says it’s just a matter of time before planes will fly themselves. Merlin has teamed up with ...
Lancashire Telegraph

Merlin Helicopter spotted flying over Great Harwood

Residents were delighted to see an RAF helicopter flying low over Great Harwood on Monday, September 8. The military Merlin helicopter was captured by Andy Wilson as it flew over the town. First ...