Merlin Moves Into System Integration Phase For C-130J Autonomy

Merlin has moved its C-130J Hercules autonomous-flight project into system integration after completing a critical design review for the intended cockpit installation. The company received an $8.9 million US Special Operations Command order to integrate its autonomy system on a Lockheed Martin C-130J, linking software functions with aircraft avionics and controls. The programme explores how automated flight management could support special-operations airlift while retaining the transport's existing mission capabilities. Design-review completion and integration work are intermediate engineering milestones; the software has not yet been demonstrated as an approved operational replacement for a C-130J flight crew.