50 SKY SHADES - World aviation news

Merlin announces New Zealand as test environment to progress the future of autonomy

Download: Printable PDF Date: 25 May 2023 08:13 (UTC) category:
Publisher:
Merlin announces New Zealand as test environment to progress the future of autonomy - Manufacturer publisher
Dana Ermolenko
Country: New Zealand Aircraft: Airplanes

Merlin opens of its center for operations in Kerikeri, New Zealand. With this facility, Merlin is now equipped with a dedicated test environment to support further technological development and certification activities of its New Zealand-based Cessna Caravans that underpin the capability, safety, and effectiveness of its autonomous flight technology. Merlin has also partnered with Freightways New Zealand to deliver freight to northern New Zealand, creating a multi-purpose facility that provides substantial and invaluable first-hand experience in freight carrier operations.

Putting regional facilities in place enables Merlin to meticulously evaluate its equipment and technology. The testing completed in New Zealand and the corresponding learnings will guide future development decisions to be implemented worldwide, ensuring in-air operability and certification with FAA and Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand.

Shaun Johnson, CEO of Merlin New Zealand, commernted: “Before autonomous flight can scale, we must conduct a considerable amount of prerequisite work. As a birthplace of aviation innovation, New Zealand has more than 100 years of history-making work. It’s exciting to have Merlin’s best-in-class capabilities here and put them to the test.Our talented team is devoted to ensuring a more resilient air network continues to safely grow globally. With this new facility, we now have the infrastructure needed to modify aircraft with the Merlin Pilot while simultaneously running freight operations in support of rural New Zealand.”

This testing facility puts Merlin at the forefront of autonomous flight innovation, providing ample opportunity to increase its technical maturity. With a test, learn, and iterate approach, this center for operations will rapidly increase Merlin’s progress to scale the future of autonomy. To date, Merlin has conducted over 500 autonomous flights.

The Merlin New Zealand facility in the Bay of Islands includes an aircraft hangar, maintenance workshops, and office space. The primary focus in New Zealand is the advanced development of Merlin technology and certification activities. When possible, this facility is also available to support broader New Zealand aerospace activities, including a recent New Zealand Defence Force parachute training school deployment to the region. Additionally, Merlin’s first test aircraft were deployed in recent weeks to assist in the regional flood relief efforts, showcasing Merlin’s commitment to supporting the community in which it works while simultaneously advancing its technical capabilities.



Loading comments for Merlin announces New Zealand as test environment to progress the future of autonomy...


Recommended

airBaltic & Airbus participates in A220 demo tour in Asia

airBaltic participates in an aircraft manufacturer Airbus’ demonstration tour in Asia, showcasing its latest A220-300aircraft to customers, international media, and other gue...

Jet Aviation cooperates with Donecle for use of automated drone and AI capabilities on MRO projects

Jet Aviation has signed a cooperation agreement with Donecle. As part of the agreement, Jet Aviation has purchased automated drone technology from Donecle, which uses AI and advanced image analys...

Bombardier Challenger 3500 makes European debut at EBACE 2023

Bombardier debuts Challenger 3500 business jet to the European market at EBACE 2023. The aircraft entered service in September 2022, is showcased in grand style alongside the...

Malaysia SKS Airways selects Embraer E195-E2 to drive growth

Malaysia SKS Airways has chosen the Embraer E195-E2 to drive its growth plans for the region. The E195-E2s will form the core of SKS Airways’ expansion plans and will be based at...

Mobile Apps development The drones news