This next-generation autonomy and pilot-assist platform is designed to bring AI-enabled capabilities to existing and future military and civil aircraft.

This effort to pursue autonomy with GE Aerospace’s Flight Management System , including its Modular Open System Architecture Software and Merlin’s autonomy software suite, avionics package, and Datalink solutions to deliver a system adaptable across multiple platforms. This pairs the unparalleled expertise of GE Aerospace and Merlin to advance autonomy technology, providing operators with a scalable, certifiable, and future-ready solution to meet the growing demands for crew reduction, single pilot operations (SPO), and uncrewed flight capabilities. The autonomy core is positioned to become the system of record for high assurance aerial systems.

The KC-135 Center Console Refresh (CCR) program, a critical modernization effort to replace aging and out-of-production cockpit components, is targeted as the first teaming opportunity to introduce the autonomy core.

CCR addresses Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) challenges, ensuring sustainment and mission readiness for the Air Force’s refueling fleet. This builds upon Merlin’s existing agreement with the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) to integrate autonomy onto the KC-135 as a first step toward uncrewed flight capabilities. Expansion of the teaming is expected across transport, refueling, and civil aviation applications.