Big news just dropped from Merlin, a company that’s been making waves in the world of autonomous flight.

On Tuesday, November 12, the company announced that the US Air Force had given the green light to their airworthiness plan for testing the Merlin Pilot on the KC-135 Stratotanker.

If that sounds like a game-changer, it’s because it is. This marks a huge step forward in the US Air Force’s push to modernize its fleet and bring cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) into military aviation.

So, what’s this all about, and why should you care? Well, the collaboration between Merlin and the Air Force is about much more than just testing out a new piece of tech. It’s part of a larger mission to integrate AI into the operation of one of the most critical assets in military aviation: the KC-135 Stratotanker.

But before diving into that, let’s take a closer look at the aircraft itself.

The KC-135 Stratotanker: The Backbone of Refueling

The KC-135 Stratotanker is a big deal. It’s been in service for over six decades, providing the backbone of the US Air Force’s aerial refueling capabilities.

This aircraft has played a major role in the success of missions that require long-range operations, giving the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and even allied nations the ability to refuel aircraft mid-air. Think of it as the fuel stop that keeps planes in the sky when they need to travel long distances, especially for global missions.

In addition to its refueling prowess, the KC-135 is capable of supporting aeromedical evacuations and transporting patients using special medical pallets. And while it’s mostly known for its refueling capabilities, it’s also been adapted for other roles over the years, including reconnaissance and flying command post missions.

To get an idea of how powerful this machine is, let’s take a look at some specs:

• It’s powered by four turbofan engines, capable of carrying up to 83,000 pounds (37,648 kilograms) of cargo and transferring up to 200,000 pounds (90,719 kilograms) of fuel.
• The aircraft can fly at speeds of 530 mph, with a ceiling of 50,000 feet (15,240 meters), and a range that extends up to 11,015 miles (17,766 kilometers) on a ferry mission.
• It’s been continually updated to improve efficiency, including reengining with CFM-56 engines, making the KC-135R and KC-135T 25 percent more fuel-efficient than earlier models.

With its robust capabilities and long history, the KC-135 remains a central part of the US Air Force’s operations, playing a key role in airlift, refueling, and beyond.

The Merlin Pilot Testing: A Leap Toward Autonomous Flight

Now, enter Merlin. The company has been working tirelessly on its autonomous flight technology, specifically designed for fixed-wing aircraft.

The acceptance of their airworthiness plan for testing the Merlin Pilot on the KC-135 is a monumental step for both Merlin and the US Air Force.

This partnership is set to evaluate how well the Merlin Pilot’s AI can be integrated into a large military transport aircraft, bringing one of the most critical capabilities of modern aviation into the age of autonomy.

The goal here isn’t just about replacing pilots with robots – it’s about enhancing the effectiveness and safety of military aviation.

“We’re building the Merlin Pilot to not just meet safety standards, but redefine them. Integrating the Merlin Pilot onto one of most important aircraft in the USAF’s fleet is crucial to advancing military aviation into a new era of pilot efficiency and national security, as well as progressing autonomy at scale,” Matt George, Merlin CEO and founder, said in a statement. “This is an important milestone for both Merlin and the USAF as we continue to build the Merlin Pilot to exceed the military’s operational needs.”

The Merlin Pilot is designed to increase pilot efficiency, reduce workload, and improve safety by taking over certain tasks during flight. And since the KC-135 plays such a pivotal role in global military operations, having AI systems assist in managing flight operations could lead to safer and more efficient missions.

This testing milestone also means that the Air Force is serious about exploring how AI can be scaled up for large transport aircraft.

The fact that the airworthiness plan has been accepted means that the USAF believes Merlin’s system is on track to meet the necessary standards for military flight. It’s a clear sign that the military is ready to take steps toward integrating autonomous systems into some of its most important aircraft.

Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture for Military Aviation

This collaboration between the US Air Force and Merlin is about more than just testing a new technology.

It’s a pivotal moment in the evolution of military aviation. With the integration of AI, aircraft like the KC-135 could eventually be capable of performing more complex tasks with fewer crew members, saving both time and resources. And with the ability to refuel aircraft mid-flight, the KC-135 is already integral to the US military’s global reach – imagine how much more powerful that reach could be if these aircraft become even more efficient and autonomous.

Merlin’s goal is to not just meet safety standards but to redefine them. By integrating the Merlin Pilot into such a crucial aircraft in the Air Force’s fleet, they’re pushing the envelope on what’s possible with autonomy in aviation.

In a way, this project is setting the stage for the next generation of military aircraft – ones that can handle complex missions with the help of advanced AI systems.

So, what’s next?

So, what’s next? This milestone is just the beginning. Merlin is targeting the end of 2024 for the completion of the design, with flight testing and demonstrations planned for 2025.

If all goes well, the Merlin Pilot could become a standard feature in military aircraft, revolutionizing how missions are carried out and setting the stage for a future where AI plays a central role in aviation.

For the US Air Force, this partnership with Merlin is about staying ahead of the curve in military aviation.

As technology continues to evolve, so too must the way the military operates. And if this airworthiness plan is any indication, we’re on the cusp of a new era in aviation, where AI is more than just a tool – it’s a trusted partner in the skies.

This is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey into the future of autonomous military aviation. The KC-135 is ready to take the next step, and so is the US Air Force. The sky – or maybe more fittingly, the future – is the limit.

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This essay originally appeared in SOFREP