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Merlin completes trials for first US automated air cargo network
来源：shippingazette 编辑：编辑部 发布：2023/07/19 17:27:36
MERLIN, an aviation technology company, has achieved a milestone by conducting successful flight trials for the inaugural air cargo network in the US, operated entirely by a non-human pilots, reports London's Air Cargo News.
With a US$1 million contract from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Merlin demonstrated its highly-automated flight control system through 25 test flights conducted in Alaska.
Collaborating with the University of Alaska Fairbanks UAS Test Site, authorized by the FAA, and Everts Air Cargo, the flights utilized crewed aircraft equipped with Merlin's integrated hardware and software solution called the Merlin Pilot.
The test flights covered various rural destinations, including Fort Yukon, Galena, Huslia, Tanana, and Prudhoe Bay, originating from Fairbanks.
Over the course of these flights, which totalled more than sixty hours of autonomous flight time, the Merlin Pilot showcased its capabilities by successfully navigating through challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions, allowing for comprehensive data collection in a real-world environment.
This valuable data plays a crucial role in advancing in-flight capabilities and promoting autonomy within the aviation industry, according to Merlin.
Moreover, these test flights mark a significant achievement as Merlin becomes the first autonomous system to be integrated into the US national airspace system (NAS).
"The data we've been able to gather from these flight trials is critical to the maturation of our in-flight technology, but also to our continued progression in certifying the Merlin Pilot," said Merlin CEO Matthew George.
"It's exciting to know our technology can successfully reach remote locations in Alaska, proving an important application for autonomy; its ability to assist in dangerous missions. We're incredibly thankful for the support and partnership of the FAA, Everts Air Cargo, and ACUASI (Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration). Our partners have been critical in our ability to progress the Merlin Pilot."
With a US$1 million contract from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Merlin demonstrated its highly-automated flight control system through 25 test flights conducted in Alaska.
Collaborating with the University of Alaska Fairbanks UAS Test Site, authorized by the FAA, and Everts Air Cargo, the flights utilized crewed aircraft equipped with Merlin's integrated hardware and software solution called the Merlin Pilot.
The test flights covered various rural destinations, including Fort Yukon, Galena, Huslia, Tanana, and Prudhoe Bay, originating from Fairbanks.
Over the course of these flights, which totalled more than sixty hours of autonomous flight time, the Merlin Pilot showcased its capabilities by successfully navigating through challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions, allowing for comprehensive data collection in a real-world environment.
This valuable data plays a crucial role in advancing in-flight capabilities and promoting autonomy within the aviation industry, according to Merlin.
Moreover, these test flights mark a significant achievement as Merlin becomes the first autonomous system to be integrated into the US national airspace system (NAS).
"The data we've been able to gather from these flight trials is critical to the maturation of our in-flight technology, but also to our continued progression in certifying the Merlin Pilot," said Merlin CEO Matthew George.
"It's exciting to know our technology can successfully reach remote locations in Alaska, proving an important application for autonomy; its ability to assist in dangerous missions. We're incredibly thankful for the support and partnership of the FAA, Everts Air Cargo, and ACUASI (Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration). Our partners have been critical in our ability to progress the Merlin Pilot."