Merlin Inc. (NASDAQ: MRLN) announced the completion of its Critical Design Review for the C-130J autonomy program with the U.S. Special Operations Command. The milestone validates the system's design readiness and advances the program from design development to aircraft integration activities.

The review completion positions the program to enter formal testing, including aircraft-level testing. The CDR is part of Merlin's previously awarded IDIQ contract under its C-130J autonomy program with USSOCOM, which has a contract ceiling value exceeding $100 million.

Under the contract, Merlin is developing its AI-powered autonomy stack for the C-130J aircraft. The company stated the program demonstrates potential reduction in crew workload through all phases of flight, with possible expansion to other Department of Defense or commercial aviation platforms.

"Completing the Critical Design Review validates the architecture we've built for safe, scalable autonomy on large aircraft like the C-130J," said Matt George, CEO and founder of Merlin. "As we move into integration, ground testing, and eventually flight demonstrations, we're focused on proving autonomy from takeoff to touchdown is one of the most effective ways to improve operations and safety for US warfighters."

Boston-based Merlin describes itself as an aerospace and defense technology company building autonomous flight systems. The company reports conducting hundreds of autonomous flights from test facilities globally.