Autonomous flight company eyes 2027 move-in at Hanscom
Despite concerns from airport neighbors, Boston-based Merlin Labs announced that it will relocate to a former Navy hangar.
Autonomous flight testing is officially coming to Hanscom Field.
Despite concerns from airport neighbors, Boston-based Merlin Labs announced last week that it will relocate to a former Navy hangar on the property and start operations in early 2027.
Merlin will occupy most of the hangar. The firm’s CEO, Matt George, hailed the move in a statement as “a major milestone” for autonomous aviation. Massport head Rich Davey similarly praised it as “a terrific opportunity” for Massachusetts.
Merlin is trying to develop a system that could reduce or replace human crews on military and civil planes.
Company representatives say the number of new flights will be minimal and testing will be safe. While some laud job creation, others have balked for fear of an airborne accident or increased plane traffic.
The Navy building was part of a larger plan to expand Hanscom’s hangar capacity. Developers won state approval to expedite this renovation last month.
Local organizations including the Hanscom Field Advisory Commission opted against formally fighting Merlin’s plans as the controversial main hangar project loomed.
Hanscom Manager of Administration Amber Goodspeed told HFAC that developers now plan to file an updated environmental review by year-end.
The supplemental draft environmental impact report will prompt a new formal public comment period and could touch off another round of opposition.
Asked last week if she thinks HFAC will oppose the project following the report, Acton’s panel representative Terri Ackerman responded, “Yes, I do anticipate that.”
