Merlin soars to new heights with acquisition and contract with US Special Operations Command

The military aviation landscape is about to change dramatically. Boston-based Merlin, a leader in autonomous flight technology, has made a series of strategic moves that put it at the forefront of this revolution.

The recent acquisition and significant government contract paint a clear picture that the company is soaring into a future dominated by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and intelligent autonomous systems.

The acquisition of EpiSci creates a one-stop shop for next-generation autonomy

On June 13, Merlin announced his own acquisition of EpiSci (EpiSys Science, Inc.), a California-based software company specializing in cutting-edge tactical autonomy solutions known as TacticalAI. This movement increases strength significantly.

EpiSci software complements Merlin’s hardware expertise, creating a one-stop shop for next-generation autonomous systems.

This combined unit will be able to support over 23 different air platforms, ranging from the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft to agile fighter jets and even unmanned surface ships.

“With the acquisition of EpiSci, we are uniquely positioned to lead autonomous aviation, which requires flexible solutions that work across multiple platforms,” said Matt George, CEO and co-founder of Merlin.

“By connecting with Merlin, we choose to provide our services AI tactical autonomy bringing the software package to market much faster and with greater impact,” added “Bo Ryu, Founder and CEO of EpiSci.”

USSOCOM uses Merlin to build the C-130J Super Hercules Automation

Just two days before the news of the acquisition, Merlin announced another important event.

The military aviation landscape is about to change dramatically. Boston-based Merlin, a leader in autonomous flight technology, has made a series of strategic moves that put it at the forefront of this revolution.

The recent acquisition and significant government contract paint a clear picture that the company is soaring into a future dominated by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and intelligent autonomous systems.

The acquisition of EpiSci creates a one-stop shop for next-generation autonomy

On June 13, Merlin announced his own acquisition of EpiSci (EpiSys Science, Inc.), a California-based software company specializing in cutting-edge tactical autonomy solutions known as TacticalAI. This movement increases strength significantly.

EpiSci software complements Merlin’s hardware expertise, creating a one-stop shop for next-generation autonomous systems.

This combined unit will be able to support over 23 different air platforms, ranging from the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft to agile fighter jets and even unmanned surface ships.

“With the acquisition of EpiSci, we are uniquely positioned to lead autonomous aviation, which requires flexible solutions that work across multiple platforms,” said Matt George, CEO and co-founder of Merlin.

“By connecting with Merlin, we choose to deliver our services AI tactical autonomy bringing the software package to market much faster and with greater impact,” added “Bo Ryu, Founder and CEO of EpiSci.”

USSOCOM uses Merlin to build the C-130J Super Hercules Automation

Just two days before the news of the acquisition, Merlin announced another important event.

The company secured approx A $105 million contract with the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to develop autonomous flight systems for the C-130J Super Hercules.

This iconic aircraft is the backbone of military cargo transport, and Merlin’s technology aims to revolutionize its operation.

The project will focus on reducing crew requirements, ultimately leading to safer and more scalable flight operations.

“The contract award represents a significant milestone in the collaboration between USSOCOM and Merlin, accelerating our ability to provide high levels of autonomy to a variety of fixed-wing aircraft in support of the fighter,” George said in a separate statement. “The forward-thinking approach to autonomy that USSOCOM demonstrated during the Merlin award review process is essential for a scalable industry and a secure future.”

The broader impact of autonomous flight: potential and challenges

Defense analysts are calling these developments a potential game-changer in military operations.

The combined capabilities of Merlin and EpiSci promise to transform the way air resources are used, offering multiple benefits:

Reduced crew risk: Autonomous systems can undertake high-risk missions, especially those involving potential enemy fire, while protecting the lives of human pilots.

Increased mission effectiveness: Greater operational range and flexibility will be achieved through 24/7 autonomous operations, enabling faster response times and continuous surveillance.

Savings: Reduced labor requirements and greater efficiency in logistics and transportation missions will translate into significant cost reductions.

The consequences go beyond direct applications on the battlefield. Merlin’s technology has the potential to revolutionize humanitarian and disaster relief efforts by enabling the autonomous delivery of critical supplies to remote areas or areas devastated by natural disasters.

However, the path to widespread adoption of autonomous militaries is not without challenges. Regulatory obstacles and ethical considerations regarding the use of lethal autonomous weapons (LAW) must be addressed. It is also critical to ensure robust cybersecurity measures are in place to prevent these systems from falling into the wrong hands.

Closing thoughts

Despite these challenges, Merlin’s latest moves signal a clear direction for the future of military aviation. By combining cutting-edge software with proven hardware expertise, Merlin is well on its way to delivering on its promise of safe and autonomous flight. This strategic acquisition and government contract solidifies Merlin’s position as the dominant force in shaping the skies over the battlefield, paving the way for a new era of unmanned domination.