Beacon AI’s Murdock pilot-assistance system logged 20 hours during five test flights aboard three U.S. Air Force KC-46A Pegasus tankers, Anadolu Agency reported. The evaluation examined the system’s use in military flight operations.
Testing ran over three weeks spanning August and September, with activity at three airfields. It began at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida during the Emerald Flag exercises, AA reported.
Beacon AI conducted the work under a contract with the Air Force’s Air Mobility Command, awarded through the AFWERX Tactical Funding Increase program. The company had previously reached an agreement with U.S. Special Operations Command, according to the report.
Beacon AI says Murdock reads aircraft avionics data to provide crews with operational information and in-flight assistance. The company says the system leaves flight-critical aircraft systems unchanged and keeps operational authority with the flight crew.
The company plans to broaden Murdock’s support to include scheduling, flight operations and postflight reviews. Beacon AI said it would use operational test data and crew feedback as it develops those capabilities.
