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Textron, Merlin Unveil Pilotless SkyCourier UX Concept
The concept would carry about 6,000 pounds and use autonomous flight software to move supplies to austere airfields without a crew.
- On Monday, September 14, 2026, Textron Aviation and Merlin Labs unveiled the SkyCourier UX at the Air, Space & Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Maryland, integrating autonomous flight software into an FAA-certified turboprop platform.
- "The future of contested logistics needs more capacity," said Merlin CEO Matt George, as military supply challenges intensify where traditional routes face danger or become unavailable.
- The proposal replaces the cockpit with a flip-up nose for automated loading and Merlin Pilot AI control. Design objectives include carrying approximately 6,000 pounds of cargo and operating from austere airstrips only half a mile long.
- Gen. Kyle Kremer, a Merlin Labs advisory board member, argued the aircraft fills a vital niche between small drones and large military transports like C-130s, enabling supply delivery to remote bases while preserving pilots for long-haul missions.
- Textron and Merlin are conducting engineering studies to evaluate autonomous operations and potential military modifications, though the concept does not yet represent an operational military aircraft. The companies are seeking feedback on desired capabilities for future logistics missions.
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A new approach to military airlift is being explored by Textron Aviation and Merlin, combining the Cessna SkyCourier twin-engine turboprop with the Merlin Pilot autonomous flight system. The SkyCourier UX, as it is called, is still at the concept stage and is designed to support transport missions in remote or particularly demanding operational conditions. The SkyCourier, with […] The article Textron and Merlin present the SkyCourier Unmanned Tr…
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Leaning Left0Leaning Right1Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Center
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C 75%
R 25%
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