GE, Merlin Labs Team Up on AI for Reduced-Pilot Workload

GE Aerospace and Merlin Labs have launched a collaboration to integrate artificial intelligence (AI)–driven autonomy into military and civilian aircraft. The initiative combines GE Aerospace’s Flight Management System (FMS) and Modular Open System architectures, deployed on more than 14,000 aircraft worldwide, with Merlin’s autonomy software, avionics packages, and Datalink solutions. The partnership aims to support single-pilot operations, reduce crew workload, and enable unmanned flight.

“At GE Aerospace we are constantly working to find innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers. Working with Merlin, we are able … to unlock new capabilities that will redefine what is possible for next-generation autonomous flight. This represents an important step forward in aviation autonomy,” said Matt Burns, general manager of Avionics Systems, GE Aerospace.

The first implementation of the joint platform, called “Autonomy Core,” will be on the US Air Force’s KC-135 Center Console Refresh (CCR) program. The CCR initiative replaces obsolete cockpit components on the KC-135 Stratotanker, a refueling aircraft in service since the 1950s. The program addresses supply chain challenges, including material shortages and limited manufacturing sources, while ensuring the fleet remains mission-ready.

Merlin Labs has agreements with the Air Force Materiel Command to test autonomous systems on the KC-135. This integration serves as a foundation for single-pilot operations and a future-ready, mission-assured FMS package, potentially expandable to other transport, refueling, and civilian aircraft platforms.

“Our national security relies heavily on our continued air power dominance, and integrated systems that allow for the use of autonomy-focused solutions are essential to that ongoing strength. GE Aerospace’s legacy of providing systems of record to commercial and government customers enables us to rapidly bring complementary capabilities to market,” said Matt George, CEO of Merlin.

George added that the partnership will extend the reach of Merlin’s autonomy technology. “By teaming with GE Aerospace, we are able to pair their open system architecture with Merlin’s autonomy capabilities to create and deliver the next generation of avionics systems, extending our work with existing customers, expanding the volume and types of platforms we support, and accelerating our revenue growth,” he said.