Two Cessna Caravans Move Dev, Testing, Certification Forward

Merlin, with its global headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts and developer of autonomous fixed-wing aircraft flight technology, announced the start of flight operations at Quonset State Airport (KOQU) in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, bringing its testbed program closer to home where the company’s two Cessna Caravans will continue flight test and development operations.

The Quonset center houses Merlin’s designated aircraft for its supplemental type certification, or STC, program, for advancing the Merlin Pilot autonomous flight system to successfully demonstrate the platform’s requirements for autonomous flight for fixed-wing aircraft.

The opening of the additional facility is a critical advantage for Merlin to enable tapping into the strong talent pool of the Northeast as the company advances toward certification of Merlin Pilot. The facility in Kerikeri, New Zealand, will continue operating in support of technology development and certification, as well as conducting freight operations in rural communities.

Matt George, CEO and founder of Merlin said, "Merlin is steadily advancing toward our certification and commercialization goals, with flight testing playing a central role as we demonstrate our ability to integrate safety-critical technology across both military and commercial aircraft.

“By moving test operations to the east coast, we can carry out this vital work with greater proximity to our headquarters, and also bring top aviation engineering talent to the Northeast region. We’re proud to continue pioneering autonomous flight technology in a community that actively supports aviation operations."

FMI:  merlinlabs.com/