Merlin Will Be The Company's First Entry Into The LSA Market

Glasair's purchase by the Jilin Hanxing Group in 2012 prompted a phase of renewed innovation, according to the company, and this week it announced the introduction of two new airplanes into its product line; the Merlin LSA and a Sportsman Diesel.

Merlin will be the company's first LSA product, and the SLSA will be its first certified aircraft. "Our goal was to design an LSA with exceptional flying characteristics, great visibility, aesthetically pleasing lines, and easy access," said Chuck Hautamaki, the company's chief engineer.

The second new airplane is the diesel engine option for the Sportsman. The airplane can now be ordered with a Centurion 2.0 powerplant with a Hartzell Bantam three-blade prop and VFR glass panel. "This is a major step for Glasair Aviation, and we believe the market will embrace it," said Glasair president Nigel Mott. "It will also open up new markets around the world where only diesel is the only fuel available."

Both airplanes are on display this week at Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland, FL this week. Glasair is accepting deposits for production positions for both airplanes, with the first deliveries expected this fall.

(images provided by Glasair)

FMI: www.glasairaviation.com