Launched in June 2025, Beacon™ is an open-access platform designed to accelerate the development of autonomous mission capabilities by enabling technology partners to test, validate, and refine their systems in alignment with government requirements.

Merlin, the prime contractor for the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) on C-130J autonomy integration, is also advancing work on the KC-135. The collaboration with Northrop Grumman supports Merlin’s platform-agnostic approach, paving the way for the addition of the Scaled Composites-built Model 437 Vanguard—now modified for optionally autonomous flight—to its portfolio.

Through the partnership, Merlin will provide its mission autonomy software for critical testing and validation. This includes engineering integration for software-in-the-loop testing, support for flight test operations, test procedure development, documentation, and on-site personnel for trials in Mojave, California.

“The demand for autonomous capabilities, especially in defence applications, is accelerating rapidly,” said Matt George, CEO and founder of Merlin. “Our collaboration with Northrop Grumman marks a major milestone in advancing mission autonomy—combining Merlin’s innovative software with the scale, rigour, and hardware expertise Northrop Grumman offers.”

Tom Jones, corporate vice president and president, Aeronautics Systems, Northrop Grumman, said Beacon™ is about fostering industry collaboration. “By providing access to the Beacon ecosystem, we’re enhancing innovation, new competition and ultimately the autonomous capabilities that industry can deliver to our customers – with unmatched speed and at scale.”

About Merlin
Merlin is a venture-backed aerospace company developing a non-human pilot to enable reduced crew and uncrewed flight. Working with both commercial and defence partners, the company is focused on deploying autonomy to address some of aviation’s most pressing operational challenges.