Merlin stocks (NASDAQ:MRLN) skyrocketed by 30% during Thursday's after-hours trading session after the company announced the successful completion of the Critical Design Review (CDR) as part of the autonomous C-130J aircraft program in collaboration with the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).
The CDR approval means the final configuration of the C-130J aircraft is complete, moving the program to the integration phase with the airframe. Hitting this milestone confirms the system's readiness for the next stage and paves the way for the official testing program, including aircraft-level testing.
CDR is part of a previously executed IDIQ contract under the C-130J autonomous operations program with USSOCOM. The program aims to showcase the capabilities of autonomous control of the C-130 aircraft, with potential to reduce crew workload at all stages of flight.
Under the contract, Merlin is developing its AI-based autonomous control stack onboard the C-130J, with the potential to expand to other Department of Defense or commercial aviation platforms.
"The completion of the Critical Design Review confirms the architecture we've built for safe and scalable autonomy on large aircraft like the C-130J," said Matt George, CEO and founder of Merlin. "As we transition to integration, ground testing, and ultimately flight demonstrations, we are focused on proving that autonomy from takeoff to landing is one of the most effective ways to enhance the combat readiness and safety of American forces."
The company positions itself as an aerospace and defense tech firm creating an operating system for autonomous flights.