Continuing work to dramatically improve aviation safety - Merlin Partners with MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Merlin announced its partnership with MIT Lincoln Laboratory (LL) in the first step towards an operational next generation collision avoidance technology. This partnership will see the two organizations explore the commercial adoption of the Airborne Collision Avoidance System Xu on unmanned aircraft systems. The partnership will focus on the initial integration and further implementation of the ACAS Xu software standard with the Merlin Pilot, allowing Merlin to deliver enhanced automated collision avoidance measures based on the outputs from ACAS Xu that exceed the standards of the National Airspace System.

Funded by Federal Aviation Administration, MIT LL’s ACAS X is an onboard next generation airborne collision avoidance system designed to help pilots and unmanned aircraft safely navigate the airspace, eventually set to replace the current Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System II (TCAS). The ACAS Xu version of the system is tailored for unmanned aircraft systems and is fully compatible with the new airspace procedures and technologies of the FAA’s next generation air transportation system. By partnering with MIT LL to integrate the ACAS Xu software with the Merlin Pilot, progressive steps are being made toward integrating unmanned aircraft systems into the National Airspace System safely and scalably.

Alex Naiman, Chief Technology Officer, Merlin commented: “Collision avoidance decision making systems are accepted by the FAA, and their outputs are critical to helping pilots and unmanned aircraft safely maneuver in the shared airspace. Integrating a next generation system like ACAS Xu with the Merlin Pilot enhances the safety of our system, while supporting the development of advanced automation capabilities to spur an autonomous future.” 

 Wesley Olson, Leader, Surveillance Systems Group, MIT Lincoln Laboratory said: “MIT LL researches and develops advanced technologies to meet critical national security needs. To that end, enhancing aviation safety is of the utmost importance, underscoring the importance of the ACAS X system in helping aircraft to better understand their surroundings and avoid collisions. By partnering with an innovative technology leader like Merlin, we’re able to explore the commercial viability of ACAS Xu and improve the ways in which aircraft relate to their environments today and in the future.”