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Merlin Labs Wins $100M Air Force AI Pilot Contract

5/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Merlin Labs secured a U.S. Air Force contract worth over $100 million to equip C-130 cargo planes with its AI flight system.
In a test at Quonset State Airport, the AI Pilot flew a Cessna Caravan takeoff, cruise, approach to runway 34 and touchdown with the pilot hands off.
ALPA president Capt. Jason Ambrosi warned that automation should support, not replace, pilots, emphasizing that two rested pilots remain the safety factor.

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Story summary

Merlin Labs secured a U.S. Air Force contract worth over $100 million to equip C-130 cargo planes with its AI flight system.
In a test at Quonset State Airport, the AI Pilot flew a Cessna Caravan takeoff, cruise, approach to runway 34 and touchdown with the pilot hands off.
ALPA president Capt. Jason Ambrosi warned that automation should support, not replace, pilots, emphasizing that two rested pilots remain the safety factor.