Part 103 Legal Flying Machine Looks Very Much Like A Regular Airplane That Shrunk In The Wash...

We recently saw that Aeromarine-LSA's Merlin Lite made its first flight, quite successfully. The Merlin-Lite is an uncommon aircraft -- in that it is a legal Part 103 ultralight, while pretty much mimicking all that you would expect from a conventional airplane... just smaller.

Just as intriguing, the whole machine... in Ready-To-Fly configuration, includes the engine, EFIS, EMS, and Electric Trim, as well as a BRS Emergency Parachute Recovery System, for $35,500.

Again, that's complete and ready to fly.

The Merlin-Lite is an all-metal, fully cantilevered, high-wing taildragger with a conventional control system. The stall speed is listed at under the 24 knot limit, thanks to a triple-hinged Fowler flap system. Dual hydraulic brakes provide stopping power for short fields, while the cockpit promises enough room for a 6 foot- six-inch pilot. The machine is powered by a small 36 HP Polini 250DS two-stroke engine with dual ignition -- an engine that has a great rep in the powered paraglider community. 

A lightweight BRS-500 parachute system is standard equipment and allows for a little extra weight allowance for the whole airframe, with the FAA-approved parachute weight exemption.

The look is fairly clean and while still in flight testing, we look forward to doing a flight test once he's happy with everything and finishes the cowling installation.

We'll keep you updated.

FMI: www.aeromarine-lsa.com