Merlin Achieves SOI 2 Milestone with New Zealand Aviation Authority

Merlin’s Autonomous Flight Tech Clears Major Hurdle on Path to Certification

In the world of aviation, safety and reliability are paramount. The process of introducing new technology, especially something as groundbreaking as artificial intelligence-powered autonomous flight, is rightly subjected to intense scrutiny. This is the world Boston-based Merlin operates in, developing autonomous flight technology for both commercial and military aircraft. The company’s flagship product, the Merlin Pilot, is an AI-driven system designed to handle an aircraft from takeoff to touchdown. This isn’t just a far-off concept; it’s a technology actively moving through the rigorous certification process required to make it a reality in our skies.

Recently, Merlin announced a significant step forward in this journey. The company has achieved Stage of Involvement (SOI) 2 with the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA NZ). This milestone is part of a meticulous, multi-stage audit process known as DO-178, which is the global standard for certifying airborne software. Reaching SOI 2 signifies that the regulators are deeply engaged in reviewing the software’s development, providing a critical vote of confidence in Merlin’s approach. This isn’t just a procedural checkbox; it’s a clear signal that the path to certifying AI in aviation is becoming more defined.

The significance of this achievement extends beyond Merlin itself. As the aviation industry grapples with pilot shortages and looks for ways to enhance safety and efficiency, autonomous systems are seen as a key part of the future. Merlin’s progress with regulators in New Zealand, which is being conducted in parallel with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), could help establish a clear and trusted framework for certifying these advanced systems globally. It’s a methodical, step-by-step process designed to build trust and ensure that the future of flight is as safe as its past.

The Nitty-Gritty of Certification: What is SOI 2?

The certification of flight-critical software is a marathon, not a sprint. The DO-178 standard is broken down into several Stages of Involvement, or SOIs, to allow regulators to oversee the development process from start to finish. Merlin’s journey began with achieving SOI 1 in May 2023, which involved the CAA NZ’s acceptance of the company’s detailed planning documents. This initial stage is all about laying the groundwork, defining how the software will be designed, built, and tested to meet the highest safety standards.

Achieving SOI 2 is a much more substantial milestone. At this stage, approximately half of the software data for the Flight Control Computer (FCC) has been formally reviewed by the regulatory body. This means the CAA NZ has moved beyond reviewing plans and is now examining the actual execution of those plans. They are looking at the code, the tests, and the documentation to ensure everything aligns with the agreed-upon safety-critical standards. It’s a demonstration of transparency and proves that Merlin is adhering to the disciplined engineering practices required for such a critical system.

This concurrent validation with the FAA is also a crucial part of the strategy. Under the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement between the U.S. and New Zealand, the progress made with the CAA NZ directly informs the FAA’s own certification process. This dual-track approach is efficient and suggests a clear pathway to market in two key aviation jurisdictions. The aircraft at the center of this certification program is Merlin’s Cessna Grand Caravan 208B, a versatile and widely used aircraft, making the potential impact of this Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) significant.

“SOI 2 reflects the disciplined engineering and certification practices our team has put in place. Each stage of this process deepens regulator confidence, reduces program risk, and advances the Merlin Pilot toward certification and real-world operations.”

— Tim Burns, Chief Technology Officer at Merlin

Building Momentum: Military Contracts and Public Offerings

While the civil certification process is a major focus, Merlin has also been making significant inroads in the defense sector. The company has secured over $100 million in contracts from military customers, a testament to the robustness and potential of its autonomous flight technology. These partnerships, including one with industry giant Northrop Grumman, allow Merlin to develop and refine its systems in demanding, real-world environments. This dual-use strategy is smart, as advancements in the defense sector often pave the way for innovations in civil aviation.

Further signaling its growth trajectory, Merlin recently announced its intention to go public. The company plans to merge with Inflection Point Acquisition Corp. IV, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). This move is designed to provide the capital necessary to scale its operations, continue its research and development, and push the Merlin Pilot through the final stages of certification and into commercial service. Going public is a significant step for any company, and for Merlin, it reflects a strong belief in its technology and its market potential.

The company is also expanding its physical footprint and operational capabilities. Merlin has established Hanscom Field in Massachusetts as its new flight test center, with operations slated to begin in early 2027. This facility will be crucial for the flight test campaign of its certification-ready Cessna Caravan. Additionally, a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the United States Air Force (USAF) aims to advance autonomous capabilities to improve mission resilience in contested environments. These developments paint a picture of a company that is not just focused on a single milestone but is building a comprehensive ecosystem to support its long-term vision.

The Broader Skies: Implications for the Future of Aviation

Merlin’s steady progress is more than just a corporate success story; it’s a bellwether for the entire aviation industry. The successful collaboration between a technology developer and a civil aviation authority on a system as complex as an AI-powered pilot sets a valuable precedent. It demonstrates that a pathway exists for the safe integration of autonomy into the national airspace. As regulators become more familiar and comfortable with these systems through processes like the SOI audits, the door opens for wider adoption.

The potential benefits of this technology are vast. For the cargo and logistics industry, autonomous flight could lead to more efficient and cost-effective operations. In passenger transport, it could enhance safety by reducing human error and assisting pilots in complex situations. Furthermore, as the industry faces a global pilot shortage, autonomous systems could help bridge the gap, ensuring that air travel remains a reliable and accessible mode of transportation. The journey is long, and there are still hurdles to overcome, but milestones like Merlin’s SOI 2 achievement are critical steps in the right direction, moving autonomous flight from the realm of science fiction to a tangible reality.

FAQ

Question: What is the Merlin Pilot?
Answer: The Merlin Pilot is an AI-powered software system developed by Merlin that enables takeoff-to-touchdown autonomy for aircraft.

Question: What does Stage of Involvement (SOI) 2 mean?
Answer: SOI 2 is a key milestone in the DO-178 certification process for airborne software. It means that approximately 50% of the software data has been formally reviewed by the aviation authority, in this case, the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA NZ).

Question: Which aircraft is Merlin using for certification?
Answer: Merlin is conducting its certification program on a Cessna Grand Caravan 208B.

Question: Is Merlin working with the FAA?
Answer: Yes, the certification pathway with the CAA NZ is being run concurrently for validation with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under a bilateral agreement.

Sources

• Business Wire