Merlin

We finally have something else to call General Atomics’ Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) by other than its formal YFQ-42A designation: Dark Merlin

Dark Merlin is one of two designs that the USAF has officially chosen for development and flight testing under the first increment of its CCA program, which intends to give fighter aircraft a ‘loyal wingman’ uncrewed companion.

General Atomics gives its reasoning for the naming as such:

“Dark merlins, deadly falcons known for their black feathers and devouring of other falcons as prey, often collaborate in groups for maximum effect against their targets. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology describes the merlin as a “small, fierce falcon that uses surprise attacks” to bring down its prey in flight. The dark merlin is native to the Pacific Northwest of the United States, often migrating into southern California, where bird spotters routinely report seeing them near the YFQ-42A’s manufacturing home in San Diego.”

The 1962 book “Profiles of the Future” imagined global technological marvels yet to change the world, offering that “any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” It’s no coincidence that the Dark Merlin name also reflects the wizardry of Merlin from
Arthurian legend, paying homage to the somewhat supernatural new era of semi-autonomous
air combat.

“Dark merlins are hunting machines, built for speed and aerodynamics,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “They harass other falcons for fun, and they eat what they kill. The name sums up our new uncrewed fighter perfectly.”

The name is a very welcome development. We have discussed internally in our newsroom on multiple occasions that the designations for the CCAs, the other being Anduril’s YFQ-44A, which goes by the nickname Fury, carried over from its roots as a ‘red air’ training drone, are a bit hard for the public to follow. Now, with General Atomics giving their ‘fighter drone’ a unique nickname, referring to them as Dark Merlin and Fury will be a bit easier.

Both aircraft are currently in flight testing, and General Atomics has already put Dark Merlin, which is based on the firm’s Gambit chassis-centric family of combat drones concept, into production. This is ahead of the USAF making a decision on which Increment 1 CCA, or both, it wants to buy in larger numbers.

The naming also comes after it was announced that the Marines will use Dark Merlin as a testing surrogate for its own CCA program, which could possibly open the door to the Corps purchasing the ‘drone fighters’ for operational use.

Contact the author: Tyler@twz.com

This offer means families could enjoy an entire year of theme park thrills across more than 20 Merlin attractions in the UK ensuring that the kids are kept entertained throughout the school holidays

February half-term is coming up soon, and as all parents know, this is just the first of many school breaks where you’ll be scrambling around to find something to keep the kids entertained. While taking them to theme parks may seem like a pricey option, there is a deal that means you enjoy many more days out during the school holidays in 2026.

Merlin Entertainment, who own huge attractions across the UK such as Thorpe Park, Alton Towers, Chessington, Warwick Castle, and LEGOLAND, is offering a deal they call ‘Stay for a night, play for a year’. Families who book a short break this February for certain spring dates can get a free Essential Merlin Annual Pass (MAP) for each guest, giving them free access to its theme parks throughout the year.

Bookings need to be completed before March 1, and stay dates for this offer include:

• LEGOLAND and Alton Towers – stays between March 14 and June 26
• Chessington – stays between March 20 and June 26
• Thorpe Park and Warwick Castle – stays between March 27 and June 26

Look for a banner next to the hotel name that says ‘Merlin Pass Included’ when booking to see if it’s eligible for the offer.

Depending on which resort and hotel you choose, guests can enjoy facilities such as themed accommodation, breakfast included in the price, plus two days of fun at the theme park of your choice. You’ll also find perks such as access to the 9-hole golf course at Alton Towers and access to the SEA Life centre at Chessington.

And once you check out, you still have a year of fun family adventures to enjoy. You’ll get a Merlin Annual Pass delivered to your inbox when you book, offering 339 days of experiences and fun, which includes access to family-friendly days out like the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, and The London Dungeon. Simply activate the pass and it’s valid for 12 months with a few restriction dates.

Other attractions where the annual pass can be used include SEA Life centres across the UK, Cadbury World, Shrek’s Adventure! London and LEGOLAND’s Discovery Centres give plenty of options for days out.

Passholders can also nab 10% off Fastrack passes for days when you want to skip the queues, plus 10% off food and drink at the parks.

You can even redeem your pass before your stay and start using it elsewhere, so if you book now, you could use it on weekdays during the February half term to take the kids to one of Merlin’s attractions.

So, how much could families save? It depends on which hotel stay you book and how much you use the pass. A family of four could book a night at the Chessington Safari Hotel on Saturday, March 28 for £418 and get four free passes included. Buying Merlin Essential passes would usually cost £139 each, adding up to £556 for four people, so this is already a cheaper option if you’ve been considering buying the passes anyway.

READ MORE: PAW Patrol land first look as Chessington seeks children to test ridesREAD MORE: UK airports that have scrapped 100ml liquid rule ahead of half-term

Day passes to Alton Towers, as an example, cost £32 online and as much as £68 if you buy on the gates, so if you plan just a handful of theme park visits, this offer could save you hundreds over the year.

Full list of attractions where Merlin’s annual pass can be used

• Alton Towers Resort
• Chessington World Of Adventures Resort
• LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort
• The London Eye
• Thorpe Park
• SEA LIFE London
• National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham
• SEA LIFE Manchester
• SEA LIFE Blackpool
• SEA LIFE Brighton
• SEA LIFE Weymouth Adventure Park
• SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth
• SEA LIFE Sanctuary Hunstanton
• SEA LIFE Scarborough
• SEA LIFE Loch Lomond
• Warwick Castle
• Madame Tussauds London
• Shrek’s Adventure! London
• LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Birmingham
• LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Manchester
• The London Dungeon
• The York Dungeon
• The Edinburgh Dungeon
• Cadbury World

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

Chessington World of Adventures is getting ready to open the Pat Patrol area in spring 2026 – and it’s already looking PAW-some. Rides include Chase’s Mountain Mission and Skye’s Helicopter Heroes

PAW Patrol fans have been given an exciting first glimpse at Chessington’s new themed zone.

Chessington World of Adventures is getting ready to open the area in spring 2026 – and it’s already looking PAW-some. First look images unveiled today of the hotly anticipated new attraction – dedicated to the top-rated animated preschool series from Spin Master that airs on Nickelodeon and streams on Paramount+ – follow the installation of the PAW Patrol Lookout Tower, a real-life replica of the tower seen and played with by millions of children across the world.

The Lookout Tower will form part of the new ‘Chase’s Mountain Mission’ ride, the attraction’s entry-level rollercoaster.

The new images show PAW Patrol character, Rubble, who is overseeing the site’s construction, and Sian Hooper – creative director at Merlin Magic Making and the brains behind the new land – masterminding the finishing touches being put to the iconic Lookout Tower. This includes the tower’s pièce de résistance, the legendary PAW Patrol pup tag.

World of PAW Patrol will see PAW Patrol’s Adventure Bay setting represented in a themed area that stretches across 1.4 acres. The £15 million immersive experience will include four rides. Each of the rides is themed around a beloved member of the PAW Patrol pack:

• Chase’s Mountain Mission: A high-speed rescue vehicle and entry-level rollercoaster to help Chase and Everest save the day.
• Skye’s Helicopter Heroes: Riders are invited to climb aboard Skye’s iconic helicopter and take to the skies. Features spinning rotors, panoramic views, and a mission full of teamwork and tail wags.
• Zuma’s Hovercraft Adventure: Hop aboard a hovercraft and help navigate the waters from Adventure Bay to Seal Island on the UK’s first ‘Drifter’ ride.
• Marshall’s Firetruck Rescue: Hang on tight to the red firetruck as it rocks and rolls through the streets of Adventure Bay. A high-spirited ride, it’s perfect for junior patrollers ready to spring into action.
• Further details on what guests can expect when visiting World of PAW Patrol will be announced in the coming months.

Sian Hooper said: “Bringing World of PAW Patrol to life is a true labour of love. From the very first sketches to seeing the iconic Lookout Tower rise above Chessington, our goal has been to capture the magic, energy and teamwork that millions of families know and adore from the show. Every ride has been designed to make guests feel like they’re stepping into Adventure Bay — whether they’re skidding and sliding with Zuma or soaring sky-high with Skye. We can’t wait for families to join the patrol this spring and create their own pup-tacular memories.”

Ahead of World of PAW Patrol opening, the pups are also now on the hunt for a pre-schooler to become part of the patrol and take on the role of the ‘PAWject Manager’ this spring. The once in a lifetime opportunity will allow one lucky PAW Patrol fan to give their ‘final approval’ on the new land before fellow patrollers experience what’s on offer.

The role will include being the first to test the rides and meeting their heroes in their new home. The winner will also receive tickets for their family to attend the opening event, a night in one of the five PAW Patrol -themed hotel rooms at Chessington, and other additional PAW Patrol goodies.

To enter, little ones, with the help of their parents, can submit their application online explaining why they would be ‘PAWfect’ for the job. Entries are open until 11.59pm on Wed 4 March.