Merlin to merge autonomous software with Cessna’s SkyCourier

Merlin will collaborate with Textron Aviation to develop the Cessna SkyCourier UX, an autonomous variant of the regional twin-engine turboprop, for military use. The aircraft will be designed to carry approximately 6,000 pounds of payload or up to three LD3 cargo containers while operating from unimproved runways, according to a Merlin release on Sept. 14. [caption id="attachment_57299097" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Merlin and Cessna launched the SkyCourier UX concept at The Air & Space Forces Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference held Sept. 14-16 in National Harbor, Md. (Courtesy/Merlin)[/caption] “The SkyCourier UX brings an established aircraft with an existing performance envelope, manufacturing and maintenance ecosystem and an operational history to the table,” Kevin Adkins, a professor and lab director for the Advanced Air Mobility Research and Innovation Lab at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, told Cargo Facts . Mission objective The Boston-based autonomous flight systems developer offered no additional information on potential use of the SkyCourier UX in the regional freighter segment, but confirmed the aircraft is being designed to fill the capacity gap between small tactical cargo drones and large military transports. It would be able to, for example, deliver critical shipments into hostile environments, a Merlin spokesperson told Cargo Facts . Autonomous flight systems such as the Merlin Pilot could improve aircraft utilization in the regional sector where routes are thinner, or there is a strong dependence on positioning crews, Adkins said. “Regional cargo is a logical early application of increasing automation as regional cargo aircraft do not carry revenue passengers, often fly repetitive routes and many operations connect a hub with smaller regional airports,” Adkins said. “While removing passengers does not reduce the certification requirements, it does remove some of the passenger-acceptance concerns connected with autonomous aviation.” Merlin will conduct engineering studies and evaluations on the SkyCourier to assess autonomous and pilot-optional applications for the platform. Both companies will evaluate a nose-loading concept with kneeling capability for the autonomous freighter, and integrated loading systems that can increase usable volume and improve cargo access, according to the release. SkyCourier timeline Cessna received FAA approval for the SkyCourier in March 2022. FedEx was the launch customer for the type, with an initial order of fifty aircraft in 2017. FedEx has taken delivery of forty-one SkyCouriers and placed them in service with five feeder operators. Vichy, Mo.-based Baron Aviation this year became the newest carrier to begin operating the SkyCourier . It began CMI service with a second unit (408-0067) in August. The other four operators are: Denver, N.C.-based Mountain Air Cargo , which was the first carrier to start flying the type, in 2023, and operates fourteen units; Hayden, Idaho-based Empire Airlines , which also started flying the type in 2023 and operates nine; Billings, Mont.-based Corporate Air , which began operations in 2024 and has twelve units; and Canadian carrier Morningstar Air Express , which joined the list in 2025 and operates four units. Cessna has also delivered the SkyCourier to five air cargo carriers, including Mexico-based FlexCoah , Kamaka Air and Everts Air Cargo . Autonomous shift In addition, Merlin signed a memorandum of understanding with IAI in July to explore development and integration of the Condor automated flight system into cargo aircraft. Merlin introduced Condor , a variant of the Merlin Pilot autonomous flight software designed for large commercial aircraft, in May. That month, the company signed a nonbinding memorandum of understanding with lessor World Star Aviation, Chief Executive Matt George said during its first-quarter earnings call. The developer withdrew its Merlin Pilot certification with the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand to focus on larger aircraft but will keep its Pacific flight test and demonstration center based in the country, a spokesperson told Cargo Facts . Merlin, which had hoped to obtain certification of the Merlin Pilot in 2027, recently completed the third stage of involvement in the approval process in August. That included testing of the software’s flight control computer and automated communication system. Cargo Facts Symposium 2026, the premier event for the freighter aircraft and air cargo industries, will take place in Nashville, Tenn., on Oct. 21-23. Find out more and register today .

Merlin to merge autonomous software with Cessna’s SkyCourier

Company withdraws Merlin Pilot certification for small aircraft in New Zealand

Mammoth Freighters Steinhagen joins Cargo Facts Symposium 2026

Kepplair to certify first reversible ATR 72F water bomber conversion next year

Related Posts

Ampaire raises $19M, launches Utah hybrid-electric operations

Amazon to expand drone deliveries to suburban Chicago, Atlanta

e-Smart Logistics launches electric freighter airline ClearSky

Kepplair to certify first reversible ATR 72F water bomber conversion next year

Cargo Facts Free Newsletters

Cargo Facts Connect Podcast

Follow Us

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password