Merlin’s selection of Hanscom Field as its new test flight center
Steele Group served as Merlin’s real estate advisor and transaction lead for the company’s new facility at 154 Hartwell Road at Hanscom Field.
BOSTON, MA — Steele Group, Merlin's real estate advisor and transaction lead for the company's new facility at 154 Hartwell Road at Hanscom Field, is proud to announce Merlin's decision to establish Laurence G. Hanscom Field as its new test flight center, with operations set to begin in early 2027.
This milestone marks the next phase of Merlin's expanding flight test campaign. The move to Hanscom Field will support Merlin's work with its certification-ready Cessna Caravan aircraft—the world's first and only approved certification basis for AI-enabled, takeoff-to-touchdown onboard autonomy. Test operations at Hanscom Field will directly advance Merlin's ongoing partnership with the U.S. Special Operations Command and the United States Air Force as the company integrates the Merlin Pilot on the C-130J and KC-135 aircraft platforms. The announcement also follows Merlin's plans to go public in early 2026 as the leading defense prime contractor for AI in aviation.
As part of the transaction led by Steele Group, Merlin will occupy hangar, office, and lab space in the historic former Navy hangar at Hanscom Field. The company also plans to add jobs and deepen its presence in the region, strengthening New England's fast-growing technology and aerospace ecosystem. This expansion will create new opportunities for top talent in AI, autonomy, and advanced aviation technologies, further establishing the region as a national hub for aerospace innovation.
“Establishing Hanscom Field as our new flight test center is a major milestone in advancing autonomy in aviation as we get closer to becoming the first certified AI-enabled, takeoff-to-touchdown system,” said Matt George, CEO and founder, Merlin. “This facility enables us to accelerate testing on our certification-ready aircraft, directly supporting our ongoing partnerships with the military. By expanding our operations in New England, we are not only investing in the region’s technology and aerospace talent but also supporting national security by enhancing the nation’s defense capabilities. At the same time, this expansion positions us to broaden our impact across additional defense domains and into the commercial market, where autonomy can unlock safer, more efficient, and more resilient operations.”
Merlin currently operates its test flight program out of Quonset State Airport in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, having relocated from Mojave, California in late 2024. The move brought the operations team closer to the company's Boston-based global headquarters. As Merlin expands into Hanscom Field, some dual operations are expected to continue at both facilities as testing progresses.
“Merlin’s decision to make Hanscom Field its new flight test hub is a win for Massachusetts and for our innovation economy. This investment strengthens our state’s position as a leader in advanced aviation, AI, and defense technologies, and it will create good-paying jobs right here in the region. By choosing to grow in Massachusetts, Merlin is helping to build a robust talent pipeline, attract top engineers and technologists, and foster collaboration across our aerospace, AI, and defense ecosystems — all of which drive economic growth and opportunity for our communities,” said Ashley Stolba, Undersecretary, Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development.
“We are thrilled that Merlin is laying down roots at Hanscom,” said Rich Davey, CEO, Massport. “This is a terrific opportunity for the Commonwealth and exactly the type of innovation we want to happen here.”
“The Navy Hangar has a remarkable place in aviation history – the Cold War-era missile guidance systems that were developed here were critical to US interests,” added Rick Muse, Director of Operations, Runway Realty Ventures. “Now, it’s about to support the next leap in aerospace: autonomous flight. Our lease with Merlin isn’t just a smart use of the Hangar, it’s a continuation of innovation on the same ground where it began, right here in Massachusetts.”
Steele Group is honored to support Merlin in this transformative expansion and remains committed to advancing innovation, defense capability, and economic growth across the Commonwealth through strategic real estate leadership.
