← Company intelligence

Physical AI software · registered

Merlin

Defense marketfoundation-modelssafetyCurated record

Merlin develops Merlin Pilot, an AI-native autonomous flight software system that handles all phases of flight from take-off to touchdown on any aircraft without pilot intervention. The system uses a natural language processing model to interact with air traffic control, processes multi-modal sensor inputs, and is designed to be aircraft-agnostic. Merlin has completed hundreds of test flights under FAA oversight and secured a $100M+ USAF contract to bring autonomous flight to C-130 cargo aircraft. In May 2026 the company unveiled 'Merlin Pilot for Commercial Cargo' targeting civilian freight aviation.

HeadquartersBoston, US
Founded2018
Defense funding$330M
Team201-500
Deployments3
Open roles0
01

Company overview

Identity and operating footprint

Company typePhysical AI software
Market segmentDefense
StagePublic
FoundersMatt George (Founder & CEO)
Regions servedNorth America
Countries deployedNot listed
Service footprintNot listed
Last reviewed2026-07-05
DP

Deployment log

Announced and cited only

AnnouncedCustomerSiteCountryCountEvidence
2025-10-01Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealandcivil aviation regulatorNZNot disclosedAnnouncement
2022-07-14US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)defense/militaryUSNot disclosedAnnouncement
2021-05-26Dynamic Aviationaviation/cargoUS55Announcement
CA

Funding history

Publicly announced rounds

Investors on recordSnowpoint VenturesBaillie GiffordFirst Round CapitalGV (Google Ventures)FloodgateHarpoon
TL

Company timeline

Milestones and announcements

2026-05-14Unveiled Merlin Pilot for Commercial Cargo, targeting AI-powered autonomous commercial freight aviationFlightGlobal
2026-03-17Began trading on Nasdaq (MRLN) via SPAC merger with Inflection Point Acquisition Corp. IV, raising $200M at ~$1B valuationWashington Technology
2025-09-01GE Aerospace and Merlin announced Autonomy Core Initiative for advanced aviation autonomy developmentGE Aerospace
SC

Source ledger

7 unique public sources