Textron/Merlin propose uncrewed Cessna 408 SkyCourier UX for military logistics

Textron and Merlin Labs are developing the SkyCourier UX, an uncrewed variant of the Cessna 408 with the cockpit removed and replaced by a hydraulically opening nose cargo bay, aimed at U.S. military contested-environment logistics. It leverages Merlin Pilot autonomy (already tied to SOCOM autonomy work) to enable autonomous takeoff/landing/navigation and human-machine teaming features, offering a familiar, supportable airframe for distributed resupply (e.g., Pacific island-hopping). This is notable as a move toward large, optionally/uncrewed fixed-wing cargo aircraft for the “last tactical leg” of logistics.