Autonomous Landing Achievement: Merlin’s AI-Powered Cessna Makes History at Oshkosh
In a groundbreaking event for general aviation, Merlin, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRLN) accomplished what is considered to be the first autonomous landing of a traditional fixed-wing aircraft in the 73-year history of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The AI-driven Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, fitted with Merlin’s Merlin Pilot autonomy platform, made its landing on Runway 27 at exactly 10:02 a.m. CDT on July 17, 2026. This historic event took place in front of hundreds of thousands of aviation enthusiasts at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
This achievement illustrates the transition of AI-powered autonomy from controlled test environments to operational aviation settings in the real world. Matt George, CEO and founder of Merlin, described the accomplishment as particularly significant, stating, “For more than 70 years, Oshkosh has been where aviation introduces its next chapter.”
The Boston-based company, which became public on NASDAQ in March 2026, has now executed hundreds of autonomous flights from test facilities worldwide. Merlin’s extensive program encompasses a Critical Design Review for its C-130J autonomy program with U.S. Special Operations Command, and the launch of Condor, its autonomy platform for large, multi-crew aircraft. Visitors to AirVenture can view the aircraft at Booth #19 on James Ray Boulevard and experience the Merlin Pilot system through an interactive flight simulator.
Source: General Aviation News – Autonomous Cessna Caravan Lands at Oshkosh