The aircraft is made from matched-hole drilled sheet aluminum. Its 7.8 m (25.6 ft) span wing has an area of 7.05 m2 (75.9 sq ft) and mounts flaps. The standard engine used is the 35 hp (26 kW) Verner JCV 360 twin cylinder four-stroke powerplant. Alternative engines include the 60 hp (45 kW) HKS 700E four-stroke, 50 hp (37 kW) Hirth F-23 and 64 hp (48 kW) Rotax 582two-stroke powerplants. The aircraft will be marketed as a kit only.[1][2][3]
By mid-2011 only the prototype had flown, logging 100 hours of testing,[1] These tests led to modifications; by November 2012 the prototype had gained a fin fillet and the mainwheel legs were slightly forward raked.[4]
Operational history
By 2013 ten Merlins had been built. Flyaway prices, without tax, are engine dependent; the cheapest is the Verner-engined variant at €15,500 in 2015.[4]
Lightened version for the German 120 kg (265 lb) class[5] It has reduced dimensions, with a span of 6.40 m (21 ft 0 in) and length of 5.12 m (16 ft 10 in), a tailwhell undercarriage and is powered by a Polini motorcycle engine. It first flew in late March 2014.[4]
As 100UL but with a Rotax 582 engine which gives it a speed of 240 km/h (150 mph; 130 kn). An amphibious floatplane version is planned.[citation needed]