Vtwin Engines, Floats, and More En Route to Sun n’ Fun

Chip Erwin of Aeromarine LSA updated followers of the full-featured Merlin Lite as the firm prepares for Sun n’ Fun 2023.

Earlier this year Erwin posted an update regarding the handy performance of the Merlin as equipped with the Vtwin-power engine, reporting that the ultralight-configured Merlin flew perfectly during his trip to the Czech Republic. The high-wing, tricycle geared Merlin LIte provides the soul of an old Cessna 152, updated and lightened for the modern era while meeting stringent weight and cost requirements.

This year, Erwin’s demo models will be better than ever, with the first production model making its way to the show with a distinctive green livery. Another ultralight-legal Merlin sporting a brand new pair of Aeromarine 750 floats. The floats contain a single steerable, retractable rudder. While some may prefer a twin water rudder setup, the light weight and compact size of the aircraft means that the added cost and complexity isn’t quite worth the boost in performance over a single rudder.

Development on the VTwin-equipped Merlin has also continued, with Erwin & co. working out the miscellaneous niggles that inevitably arise with a whole-cloth engine conversion. Recent efforts have focused on integrating the EMS with the new engine, as well as fine tuning for the right sound and feel of an aircraft motor. “The sound is perfect,” wrote Erwin in one February update. “No more 2-stroke whine. Sounds like an aircraft should.” 

FMI: www.aeromarine-lsa.com