Merlin GT, experimental amateurbuilt light sport aircraft.
Experimental Aircraft News Magazine -
The Merlin GT is a Canadian two-seat, high-wing monoplane in a taildragger configuration. In Canada it fits into the basic ultra-light, an advanced ultra-light or amateur-built aircraft aircraft categories.
John Burch designed the Merlin in the mid 80's for his flight training school. Burch was disappointed ruggednes of the early ultralights and their inability to handle crosswinds. The Merlin has a welded 4130 chromoly fuselage, and uses aluminum "D" cell and foam rib construction techniques and constant-tapered wing planform.
Merlin GT Experimental Amateurbuilt Aircraft Images
The Merlin was awarded the Pilot's Choice Award as Best Ultralight at the Toronto Aircraft Sport Expo in 1988.
Burch formed Macair Industries in Baldwin, Ontario to produce the aircraft. Initially there were two versions: the Merlin M50 powered by the 50 hp Rotax 503 two-stroke powerplant and the Merlin GT and Sport 65 version powered by the 64 hp (48 kW) Rotax 532 and later 582. The 100 hp (75 kW) Honda-based CAM 100 engine was also available as an option.
Merlin GT Experimental Amateurbuilt Aircraft Video
In 1991 Burch moved production of the Merlin to Michigan, USA under a new company name, Malcolm Aircraft. Within a short time that company went out of business and the Merlin was picked up by a new company in 1993 operating under the name of Merlin Aircraft who marketed the Merlin GT. After three years the company ceased business and the rights to the design were acquired by Blue Yonder Aviation of Indus, Alberta who continue to produce kits.
Merlin GT Specifications
Crew: two
Length: 23 ft 0 in (7.01 m)
Wingspan: 35 ft 6 in (10.82 m)
Height: 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)
Wing area: 235 sq ft (21.8 m2)
Empty weight: 700 lb (318 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 1,400 lb (635 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 912S 4-cyl. air-cooled horizontally opposed four-stroke piston engine, 100 hp (75 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed: 104 kn; 193 km/h (120 mph)
Cruise speed: 96 kn; 177 km/h (110 mph)
Rate of climb: 1,400 ft/min (7.1 m/s)
Wing loading: 8.75 lb/sq ft (42.7 kg/m2)
Subscribe To The Ultralight Flyer Web Video Magazine.
Yearly Subscription To The Light Sport And Ultralight Flyer Web Video Magazine! ONLY $29.95. U.S.
Your subscription includes Rotax 582, and HKS aircraft engine rebuilding videos, which are EACH nearly 2 hours in length! PLUS hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of web video interviews with designers, manufactures, builders, and suppliers of ultralight light and light sport aircraft parts and accessories.