Plenty of news from this Czech Trip

Greetings from Prague, now Amsterdam, missed my flight home. Oh, wait, now in Atlanta.

This might be a long blog. So, let’s get started. I will start with the Merlin Lite as that is what most are waiting so long for.

The Cosmos engine is installed, and the systems are going in systematically. We are now very close to completing this installation and getting on with flying tests. Notes:

Cooling system is installed.
Fuel system is installed.
Engine mount is finished.
Cowl is mostly finished.
Air intake elbow is waiting on Vittorazi approval.

Cosmos cowl, engine installation, and instrument panel.

Have a look at the new baggage compartment.

We have made a LOT of progress with the electric power system.

First and 2^nd battery packs are finished.
Cooling system is installed
Motor and controller are installed
Panel is prepared with EFIS and trim.
Charger is in stock.
Cowl is finished.

Look close to see small radiator and water pump for controller and motor cooling.

Battery specs are 400 volts and 10 KWh in size utilizing Tesla 21700 cells. Weight is only 30 Kg. We expect a solid hour of flight time on the Electrolite. THIS WILL BE A REALLY GREAT AIRCRAFT!

We have the Merlin Lite airframes ready! See photos of airframes 1 through 8.

Plus, both long and short wings finished.

First container is planned for end of January and another container shortly after. A couple of Merlins are also ready to ship along with the first Merlin II for USA.

In other news:

The Merlin, with me on the cover, was the feature article in November Kitplanes. And in December Kitplanes there is a great article on our Vtwin engine. I will post both articles separately soon.

Some images from Alabama:

In TrueLite news, our first builder is rapidly progressing:

Plus, we will be making another TrueLite delivery soon. Next one to Kentucky. And assembly of kits begins in Alabama.

Floats:

We shipped a 750-float kit. Here is what it looks like:

The bigger 1450 amphibious floats are also in production:

This super nice Merlin with a Rotax 582 is available.

This basically new Merlin with less than 30 flight hours is ready to ship. Nice panel. We can swap ASI to MPH or leave in KPH as it makes you think you are going faster.

Last flight leg then I get another round of jet lag.

Cheers,

CHIP