Today, we’re excited to share that Laurence G. Hanscom Field will be Merlin’s new test flight center, with operations beginning in early 2027. Moving to Hanscom Field signals the next phase of our ongoing flight test campaign with its certification-ready Cessna Caravan aircraft, which is the world’s first and only approved certification basis for AI-enabled, takeoff-to-touchdown onboard autonomy. Test operations at Hanscom Field support Merlin’s ongoing partnership with the U.S. Special Operations Command and the United States Air Force to integrate the Merlin Pilot on the C-130J and the KC-135 aircraft platforms, respectively. Merlin also recently announced plans to go public in early 2026 as the leading defense prime contractor for AI in aviation.

Merlin will occupy hangar, office, and lab space in the former Navy hangar. In addition, Merlin plans to bring more jobs to the region, strengthening New England’s technology and aerospace ecosystem. By creating high-skilled opportunities locally, the company aims to attract top talent and foster a hub of innovation and expertise in AI, autonomous systems, and advanced aviation technologies.

“Establishing Hanscom Field as our new flight test center is a major milestone in advancing autonomy in aviation as we get closer to becoming the first certified AI-enabled, takeoff-to-touchdown system,” said Matt George, CEO and founder, Merlin. “This facility enables us to accelerate testing on our certification-ready aircraft, directly supporting our ongoing partnerships with the military. By expanding our operations in New England, we are not only investing in the region’s technology and aerospace talent but also supporting national security by enhancing the nation’s defense capabilities. At the same time, this expansion positions us to broaden our impact across additional defense domains and into the commercial market, where autonomy can unlock safer, more efficient, and more resilient operations.”

Merlin is currently conducting test flight operations from Quonset State Airport in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. The company relocated to Quonset State Airport from Mojave, California in late 2024 to be closer to its Boston-based global headquarters, enabling the team to more efficiently carry out the flight tests that will culminate in the certification and commercialization of the Merlin Pilot. Merlin anticipates that some dual operations may continue at both the Quonset and Hanscom Field hangars as testing progresses.

“Merlin’s decision to make Hanscom Field its new flight test hub is a win for Massachusetts and for our innovation economy. This investment strengthens our state’s position as a leader in advanced aviation, AI, and defense technologies, and it will create good-paying jobs right here in the region. By choosing to grow in Massachusetts, Merlin is helping to build a robust talent pipeline, attract top engineers and technologists, and foster collaboration across our aerospace, AI, and defense ecosystems — all of which drive economic growth and opportunity for our communities,” said Ashley Stolba, Undersecretary, Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development.

“We are thrilled that Merlin is laying down roots at Hanscom,” said Rich Davey, CEO, Massport. “This is a terrific opportunity for the Commonwealth and exactly the type of innovation we want to happen here.” 

“The Navy Hangar has a remarkable place in aviation history – the Cold War-era missile guidance systems that were developed here were critical to US interests,” said Rick Muse, Director of Operations, Runway Realty Ventures. “Now, it’s about to support the next leap in aerospace: autonomous flight. Our lease with Merlin isn’t just a smart use of the Hangar, it’s a continuation of innovation on the same ground where it began, right here in Massachusetts.”