In partnership with the FAA-designated University of Alaska Fairbanks UAS Test Site and Everts Air Cargo, test flights have reached rural areas using crewed aircraft augmented with Merlin’s integrated hardware and software solution, Merlin Pilot.
The services flew from Fairbanks to Fort Yukon, Galena, Huslia, Tanana and Prudhoe Bay, completing over 60 hours of systems-on autonomous flight time with Merlin Pilot to collect data in a real world environment with complex terrain and inclement weather.
The flights make Merlin the first autonomy system to be integrated into the National Airspace System (NAS) and the data is essential for progressing autonomy in the aviation industry.
Dr Cathy Cahill, Director of the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration (ACUASI) at the UAF Geophysical Institute, says, “Operating in Alaska is a real challenge. I like to say we’re the final exam. If you can fly here you can fly anywhere as we deal with long distances, extreme climate variations, and limited communications coverage.”
She adds, “As we’ve learned in collaboration with Merlin’s team, it’s very apparent that they are doing this right. Their integrated approach to our unique ecosystem is one of the main reasons they were the first company with which we approached the FAA. They use real data to train the onboard automation system to ensure safety.”
Matthew George, Co-Founder and CEO of Merlin, says, “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. Our partners have been critical in our ability to progress the Merlin Pilot.”