Merlin Expands East Coast Presence with New Flight Test Operations at Quonset State Airport

We’re excited to announce east coast flight operations at Quonset State Airport (OQU) in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Testing in Rhode Island brings our certification efforts closer to our Boston headquarters and marks an important milestone in our journey to revolutionize fixed-wing aviation with autonomous flight technology.

Our Quonset facility now houses two Cessna Caravans, including our certification-ready Cessna Caravan that serves as the cornerstone of our supplemental type certificate (STC) program. This dedicated test environment allows our team to rigorously validate the Merlin Pilot system’s capabilities while demonstrating our ability to safely meet the demanding requirements for fixed-wing autonomy.

“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,” said Matt George, our CEO and founder. “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.”

The Rhode Island test center complements our existing operations in Kerikeri, New Zealand, where we continue to conduct advanced technology development and certification work while operating freight services that connect rural communities. This dual-hemisphere approach gives us the flexibility to accelerate development cycles and gather diverse operational experience.