TheTechno Optimist.

Merlin Labs—Merlin Labs begins trading on Nasdaq (MRLN) after SPAC merger closesMerlin PilotMerlin Labs—Merlin Labs completes Critical Design Review for C-130J autonomy programMerlin PilotMerlin Labs—Merlin Labs demonstrates first autonomous landing of conventional aircraft at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

Merlin Labs

Autonomous flight software, Merlin Pilot, C-130J, Caravan

US$500M market cap~250 staffest. 2018merlinlabs.com (opens merlinlabs.com)Checked 10 Oct

The brief

Analyst view
  • Merlin Labs listed on Nasdaq (MRLN) in March 2026 via SPAC merger.
  • Merlin Pilot certified in New Zealand on Cesnas; first autonomous landing at Oshkosh (Jul 2026).
  • USSOCOM $105M contract for C-130J autonomy; Critical Design Review completed Jun 2026.

Technical approach

As reported
Software-first

Autonomy layer for existing aircraft

Merlin Pilot replaces pilot inputs with autonomous decisions on certified aircraft. Scales from Cessnas to military transports.

Certification path

Proven Caravan platform

Merlin certified Pilot with New Zealand CAA on Cessna 208. That foundation scales to C-130J and larger platforms.

Flexible autonomy

Crewed to fully uncrewed

Same software supports full crew, reduced crew, remote pilot, or uncrewed ops depending on regulations.

Primer