Ready-to-Fly: Includes Engine, EFIS, EMS, & Electric Trim.

FINISHED PRICE: $34,000

The ‘Merlin Lite” is an all-new version of the Merlin and has a longer wing and a lighter airframe to meet the FAA Part 103 ultralight rule.

 

Truly, I am really impressed

Finally, I’ve had some time to fly the production version of the Merlin Lite, and, I can report what it’s really like to fly.

I’m just quite surprised that this aircraft exceeds my expectations. No embellishment either.  Here’s what we have, and I believe it’s truly exceptional. I cannot think of another aircraft that offers such versatility, performance, and real value. 

Some background: Most ultralights are open-air and tube & fabric construction powered by a 2-stroke engine. Ultralight pilots choose to fly ultralights because:

  • They want to.
  • They lost their medical and have no other flying option.
  • Flying budget constraints.
  • All the above.

Ultralights are great for fair-weather local flying but not so great for cross-country flying due to their airspace restrictions and cruise speeds. But just to get up in the air for a dawn patrol or evening sortie is plenty for a lot of pilots. But what if we could change this? Or, more accurately, what did we do to change this?

My observations:

  1. We designed the new long-wing Merlin Lite to meet the FAA motor-glider definition. This is huge and not many pilots know what it means for them. A glider pilot needs no medical. Furthermore, unlike general aviation or the LSA class of aircraft, a pilot can fly gliders after losing their medical. And all it takes then is a logbook endorsement to fly a self-launching motor-glider. And that is what the Merlin Lite with the long wing qualifies as.
  2. The Merlin Lite is actually a pretty good motor-glider. The 16-1 glide ratio is nothing special in the world of gliders but it does not cost $300k either. The sink rate of around 350 FPM means you can maintain altitude or even climb in mild thermal conditions. With a feathering prop performance will be even better.
  3. The Merlin Lite is a blast to fly. Anything that can take-off and land in under 150 feet is just plane fun to fly. 600 FPM climb rate works fine. And the power setting for cruise is incredibly low at about 30% power. No need for ANR or even any headset.
  4. The new and very modern Polini 303DS engine is gaining my trust. It has worked flawlessly. But with the glide ratio of the Merlin Lite and the low landing speed and big tires an off-airport landing is not likely to be an issue. Still, I like to have confidence in my power system and I am beginning to think that this engine is a LOT more reliable than our 1980s engines.
  5. Our new electric power system will be PERFECT for this aircraft. Our target of one-hour flight endurance is likely to be exceeded and with only a 9 Kwh battery pack. The electric-powered Merlin Lite will really make an excellent motor-glider. No re-start issues
  6. Soon we will be flying the Merlin Lite on our 750 straight floats. Expect to see some really nice video of those flights. Flying any seaplane is about the best flying there is. Imagine flying an electric-powered seaplane! Quiet, slow, smooth, perfect at low altitudes.
  7. For those wanting a bit more speed we will still offer the original wings. That version is also a hoot to fly.
  8. Part 103 ultralights must meet quite strict weight and speed requirements. 27 MPH stall, 63 MPH top speed, and 254 lbs. empty or 278 lbs. empty with a rescue chute. Of course, EVERY manufacturer of ultralights offers a model that meets those parameters. But no one buys it. EVERY customer adds some options. Of course, the Merlin Lite complies with Part 103. We have proven it.  Just choose your options to meet your flying preferences. Call me for advice. We will make the perfect aircraft custom for you.

What is Part 103?

PART 103 is the USA FAA rule that allows ‘ultralight’ aircraft to fly without any certification, registration, pilots’ license or medical. It has a strict empty weight limit of 254 lbs and speed range of 24 to 55 knots. This UL rule has been adapted by many other countries that mirror the FAA regulations including China. Thousands of ultralights are already flying in USA and in China.

For the Part 103 compliance we only install one wing tank with 4.15 gallons capacity which is good for about 4 hours flying with the Polini engine. For those looking for extended range you can add a second wing tank to the opposite wing as both wings are designed to accept a wing tank. BTW, the Merlin Lite will accept both long and short wings so you can select your preference or even change wings perhaps during soaring season or for a faster cross country.

The Merlin Lite fits Part 103 perfectly.

The Merlin Lite can be flown as a Part 103 ultralight with virtually no regulations but will require a BRS rescue system to increase the allowable weight. The Merlin Lite may also be registered  in the Experimental class which does not have the weight and speed restrictions of Part 103.

Our demo Merlin Lite has on the panel:

  • 12 volt charging power supply
  • Electric trim and indicator
  • Full EFIS with
    • Artificial horizon
    • Airspeed
    • Altimeter with pressure window
    • VSI
    • G Meter
    • Compass
    • Heading indicator
    • Ball
    • GPS
  • iPad mini with Foreflight navigation software and weather radar overlap
  • Fuel on-off valve
  • Engine control subpanel with on-off, 2 mag checks, and starter button
  • Fuel gauge with optional extended range fuel tank gauge
  • Engine monitoring system with 2 timers, RPM, CHT and coolant temperature.

Panel with EFIS.
Plenty of room for your tablet of phone with your favorite navigation app.

Price List

Merlin Lite Price ListQuantityUSDTOTAL
MERLIN LITE FINISHED AND READY TO FLY - TRICYCLE GEAR. INCLUDES POLINI 303DS, CARBON PROPELLER, TUNDRA TIRES, AIR SPEED INDICATOR, ELECTRIC TRIM, HYDRAULIC BRAKES, 12V POWER SUPPLY, ENGINE INSTRUMENTS, FUEL GAUGE, AIR VENTS, ELECTRIC START, EARTHX BATTERY, 4.15 GALLON WING TANK1$34,000$34,000
OPTIONS
BRS 500 RESCUE SYSTEM1$5,000
3-1/8 EFIS with GPS1$995
2ND WING TANK
$600
CABIN HEAT
$450
STROBE/NAV/POSITION LIGHT LED WHELAN BLAZE SET$575
TEMPERFOAM SEATS$400
ONE COLOR PAINTING1$3000
MOTOR-GLIDER WING OPTION (MEETS FAA DEFINITION)$5,000
AIRFRAME KIT PRICE
MERLIN LITE QUICK-BUILD E-A/B AIRFRAME KIT (100% FINISHED AIRFRAME)$22,000
POLINI 303DS ENGINE & FIREWALL FORWARD PACKAGE$7,000
PACKING IF SHIPPED$500$0
TOTAL$34,000
DEPOSIT ON ORDER
$15,000
DEPOSIT DUE ON AIRFRAME COMPLETION
$15,000
BALANCE ON COMPLETION AND TEST FLIGHT
TOTAL$19,000
SUGGESTED AND MOST COMMON ORDER:
MERLIN LITE FINISHED AND READY TO FLY - TRICYCLE GEAR1$34,000$34,000
OPTIONS
BRS 500 RESCUE SYSTEM1$5,000$5,000
3-1/8 EFIS WITH GPS1$995$995
STROBE/NAV/POSITION LIGHT LED WHELAN BLAZE SET1$575$575
TEMPERFOAM SEATS1$400$400
MOTOR-GLIDER WING OPTION (MEETS FAA DEFINITION)1$5,000$5,000
ONE COLOR PAINTING1$3,000$3,000
TOTAL$48,970