Merlin Motorglider 0323

One of the most anticipated of all Part 103 aircraft is the Merlin Lite from Aeromarine-LSA.com. When I first wrote about (and made video of) Merlin Lite a couple years ago, I proved to be one of the most popular articles I published all year. The response was far more than I expected. Now, developer Chip Erwin is nearly market ready. Development is complete and inventory is building to be able to supply kits to the interest generated. Learn more in this first in a series of updates.

[@michaelvandyne6480]

We are so lucky to have him and Aeromarine.

[@ratboy1867]

Absolutely love what you’ve been doing Dan. We are all blessed to have a figure like you in the light sport world. Thank you

[@honeycomb8753]

Chip and M Square both confirm a 3 day build of any Merlin at Mobile Al with M Square. OUTSTANDING quality of the machines on display. I watched a 6 ft 6 in large man fit into the Merlin Lite with lots of head room. His knees were close to the dash but he said he was very comfortable. I'm 5'8" and it was voluminous (re: Merlin Lite).

[@microcolonel]

This whole Merlin lineup is fantastic.

[@themechanic6]

This man is a God send for small aircraft. Remarkable how much he has done with the merlin airframe

[@richardchisholm2073]

This is another fantastic example of the modern ultralights. I enjoy your videos which bring these planes and the people who build them. I do wish you would ask your questions and let those being interviewed to have a bit more time to answer.

[@echopapacharlie]

It'd be nice to do another weigh-in on video of this production tricycle version.

[@ChrisLoew]

Hummel Bird or this are my two favorites part 103.

[@pilotmiami1]

Bravo.thenks

[@juststeve7665]

April 1st... great date to release a video. I'd like a clear and straight answer from Chip... will the complete long wing version meet Part 103? Price on the website a week or so ago all in was about $43k. I'm wondering how much that will change with M2 assembly.

[@WoutervanTiel]

Yeah I have been waiting, met chip at OSH, must not have been in a selling or cooperative mood, probably weighed down by the production issues. If it is the right thing I'd buy one. So will see how it develops further. I need to know whether it flies up at 15k altitude with a rotax 80hp.

[@storminnorman84]

This is awesome!

[@benthurber5363]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't there be less drag if the prop *didn't* spin? Because, stationary, even unfeathered, the relative wind would stall behind the prop blades. But if it's allowed to spin up, the angle of attack could reattach flow and generate drag, no? Greater than if it were stationary? I've tested this at the prodding of someone more knowledgable than me. A model airplane prop attached to small board, allowed to freewheel and then taped in place; hanging out a car window while driving. The spinning prop clearly had more drag.

[@ZeeCaptainRon]

All that and no details on the engine, fuel burn, fuel capacity, top speed, rate of climb, HOW MUCH? Jeeze guys, you should always get these basic questions answered and leave off the chit chat.

[@WoutervanTiel]

Absolutely! Come on guys, we need to know and if you want to sell one this is the most important detail.

[@alexjband]

Polini 250 or 303

[@DanJohnsonAffordableAviation]

In the effort to keep these videos shorter and to encourage a visit to the producer's website, we deliberately don't ask every possible question. In addition, the Polini is installed on a number of aircraft I report so we would be repeating information. Nonetheless, I acknowledge that it's nice to get it all in one place, and for that, I would encourage a visit to my website. Your comments are always appreciated.

[@Bupkus68]

@@DanJohnsonAffordableAviationlame

[@vdiallonort]

Hello, i would love to know the gliding capacity of this one. Like aspect ratio of the wink, sink rate and glide ratio. This seem to be an amazing aircraft

[@alexanderstohr625]

I'd like to see a version fulfilling the 120kg rules of Germany. The great advantage, the stall speed can be bumped up to 45kias, full flaps, i.e. the wing shortened considerably. Maybe that gives room for a quieter 4stroke?

[@cartmanrlsusall]

An hour of motor run time with a soarable airframe can take you a long distance cross country

[@musoseven8218]

Nice aeroplane 👍✌️😊

[@TXLorenzo]

Put folding wings on this thing!

[@JimMork]

Very interesting. I hope communications are complete. I don't know if glider pilots even talk to anyone during a flight.

[@F111BMATHIS]

Bought one of these V-Twins last year at Oshkosh for $7500. I met Chip at Oshkosh 2023 and was able to buy some parts, plus he said he'd send a re-drive upgrade which I just received in the mail! The wiring harness I originally got from him was sent back and modified, I didn't like it, so he sent me another unmodified harness which I re-wired and now have the motor running.

[@EndlessEnergy24]

Wouldn't it be better to block the rotation of the propeller to reduce drag?

[@beechbonanza3895]

Only if you could feather it.

[@bradrobinhancock8491]

I can't seem to get an answer on one question: Nosewheel, steerable or castering? BTW, I really, really want one of these. If the wings are easily removed and replaced by two people, that would settle the issue of getting from the assembly point in Alabama to here in Central Texas.

[@joeshmooo5327]

Seems like he is always developing but rarely producing.

[@nashfan1000]

When will the Merlin light start being produced in I believe he said Alabama? What is the wingspan of the Merlin light long-winged? Thank you for info

[@stijnvandamme76]

Needs some decert rudder pedals tho.. easy for foot to slip off in a spin

[@efox2001]

Is there any plan for a two person aircraft? That would be nice for instruction.

[@currentfaves65]

Sink rate from 350 to 375. What is the glide ratio ?

[@alexanderstohr625]

You need to know the speed at which the 350 dial in

[@MrSheymie]

Aeromarine KZbin channel test video suggests about 16:1 glide I think.

[@DanielHunterUSA]

I want one

[@DanielHunterUSA]

Where can I get one ?

[@TheSchwartzIsWithYouToday]

If you're a new flyer, how do you learn to fly these without an instructor on-board? Do you learn on something else that's similar and then switch?

[@normaal4663]

I would highly reccomend doing so if you are new to flying. When i was around 17 years old i had countless hours of rc flying behind me and was offered to fly a quicksilver ultralight, the one which had weightshift combined with the rudder and with some advise made my first flight which was a blast. Later i have flown app 100 hrs with a 3 axis ultralight (Comco Ikarus Fox C22) but only after 5 hours of dual instruction (it was a two seater) The Fox was a very gentle plane to fly but energy management was something you really needed to understand. Had an engine failure once at around 1000ft up and the only option to land was under your nose and straight ahead, it glided like a brick. So in short, the answer is yes, take some time with an instructor in a 2 seater in the same performance range as the plane you are looking to buy.....

[@BlueMax333]

Soaring potential is impressive. folding wings?!

[@flexairz]

Above 6g they do..

[@juststeve7665]

No

[@screddot7074]

Removable wings. Chip says about 20 min per wing. Good for transport but not for regular use.

[@martinleicht5911]

It would be nice to get one before my dead carcass hits the floor !! 😂

[@АнандамидЭндорфин]

I gona get two!

[@rossr6616]

talking over each other is counter productive

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

👍👍🏽👍🏿

[@deltamikepilot]

Gibt´s dafür ne Zulassung in Deutschland?

[@zjVIERA]

👍

[@bokusimondesu]

But, you want to be able to brake the prop when soaring. A spinning prop has much more drag...

[@alanaldpal950]

Sounds like it is more of MOTOR motor glider than a GLIDER motor glider.aimed for those that can’t pass the medical ?

[@alexanderstohr625]

What is called a touring motor glider in the EU. The great advantage is the common EASA rules that makes cross-border travel much easier in contrast to the strictly national microlight rules.

[@Watson1]

Stop talking over each other.

[@martadoyle]

*PromoSM* 💕

[@dmt3339]

Electric is neat, but it's a hard pass for me.

[@antonhuman8446]

Never miss a good opportunity to keep quiet. And. For goodness sake. Give the man a chance to speak up. Your constant interruption is pungent. To say the very least!

[@DanJohnsonAffordableAviation]

Here are the statistics counting every single comment or utterance▫️ Not including a 32-second introduction and a 14-second exit with web info, I spoke for 132 seconds. Chip spoke for 388 seconds, a ratio of 4:1. You may prefer the interviewer never speaks. Some channels do so, letting the interviewee give a talk on their own. Fortunately, you have choices in KZbin channels. I enjoy a dialogue with people like Chip, and after all, “we’re just having a conversation,” which does involve give-and-take. Nonetheless, I always appreciate constructive criticism.

[@Tryagain205]

Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. ~Winston Churchill.

[@antonhuman8446]

@@Tryagain205 Amen.

[@antonhuman8446]

@@Tryagain205 Like never miss a good opportunity to shut up.

[@GeorgeStar]

Is he saying there's going to be a hybrid version?

[@juststeve7665]

No, convertible in minutes