Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Merlin plans to integrate its autonomous flight technology with Honeywell’s Anthem avionics suite based on a memorandum of understanding signed by the companies on October 17. The agreement calls for the artificial intelligence-driven Merlin Pilot system to be made available to a variety of military and civil aircraft in conjunction with the Anthem flight deck.
The joint announcement did not provide a timeline for when the first integrated package will be available. The companies said developing a solution for fixed-wing military aircraft is their first priority, with Merlin already engaged in plans to deploy its always-on autopilot system for platforms including the C-130J and KC-135.
“This collaboration will benefit the military significantly, as this autonomy solution helps alleviate the pilot shortage by reducing the number of pilots required for certain aircraft operations,” said Bob Buddecke, president of the electronic solutions unit at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. “By enabling single-pilot operations and automating key tasks, this partnership provides a scalable and safe solution to ease pilot workload and optimize fleet operations for both the military and commercial aviation industry.”
According to Merlin, the Anthem system provides an intuitive user interface and advanced flight management capability that will complement its automation technology. The Boston-based start-up has said deployment will begin with retrofitting existing aircraft for single-pilot operations rather than immediately seeking to switch to the no-pilot-onboard approach that some developers of new autonomous aircraft are taking.
Merlin recently won a $105 million contract from the U.S. Special Operations Command to support work on military applications. It is also engaged in partnerships with the Air Mobility Command and Air Force Material Command to develop integration plans for the C-130J and KC-135 platforms.
Honeywell announced the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-08-22/honeywell-demos-details-anthem-avionics-suite">Anthem avionics suite</a>&nbsp;in October 2021. It has so far been selected for eVTOL aircraft being developed by Lilium and Vertical Aerospace, and by Boom for its planned supersonic aircraft.

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