Textron and Merlin show uncrewed SkyCourier concept for military resupply

Textron Aviation and the autonomy company Merlin have presented a concept for a Cessna SkyCourier that would fly without a crew, intended to move military supplies into areas where normal logistics routes are judged too risky or are unavailable.

The two companies showed the design, called the SkyCourier UX, on September 14, 2026, during a conference held by the Air & Space Forces Association in National Harbor, Maryland. Under the proposal, the twin-engine turboprop would carry Merlin's autonomous flight software, called Merlin Pilot, so that it could operate with nobody on board, including for departure and arrival.

Design targets include a payload of roughly 6,000 pounds, space for as many as three LD3 cargo containers, and the ability to use unpaved runways. Possible missions listed by the companies include carrying medical supplies and repair parts, moving goods to isolated bases, and supporting forces on islands.

Textron and Merlin are also looking at how the cargo area could change once the cockpit is removed. One idea would put cargo in the space left by the cockpit and add a large opening in the nose for loading freight. Other features under study include a kneeling function that lowers the aircraft for loading and built-in cargo handling equipment. According to the companies, those changes could simplify freight work at sites that have little ground equipment.

Matt George, Merlin's chief executive and founder, said the future of contested logistics requires more capacity and access to places where a crew would not be risked.

The companies position the aircraft between small cargo drones and large military transports.

Merlin, based in Boston and founded in 2018, builds systems meant to let military and civilian aircraft fly autonomously from takeoff through landing. The company said its autonomous flight system has already flown hundreds of times on Cessna Caravans, Beechcraft King Airs and other aircraft.