Two start-ups join forces to make self-flying tankers, dogfighting AI, and more

Published on June 26, 2024

A Michigan Air National Guard KC-135T from the 171st Air Refueling Squadron flies from at Selfridge ANG Base in 2020.

One startup has Air Force contracts to rig a KC-135 tanker and C-130 airlifter for autonomous flight; the other created the AI pilot moving on in a DARPA dogfighting program. Now they’re joining forces.

Last week, the Boston-based Merlin Labs announced that it would acquire EpiSci, a California-based firm whose AI helped take Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall on a high-profile spin in an F-16 last month.

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