The Merlin GT offers today's sport pilot the very real opportunity to experience adventure in flight. With strength being one of its main features, this land-almost-anywhere aircraft is the ideal bushplane for all your cross-country trips. Tundra tires, heavy-duty landing gear, and a rugged airframe are just a few of the many standard features incorporated into every Merlin aircraft. Versatile, as well as rugged, and often equipped with skis or floats, the Merlin represents true recreational flying!
| (solo) |
Rotax 582 |
Rotax 618 |
Rotax 912 |
| Horsepower |
65 hp |
74 hp |
79 hp |
| Takeoff Distance |
105 ft |
100 ft |
110 ft |
| Landing Distance |
150 ft |
150 ft |
175 ft |
| Rate of Climb |
1100 fpm |
1300 fpm |
1400 fpm |
| Best Rate Airspeed |
55 mph |
55 mph |
55 mph |
| Best Angle Airspeed |
50 mph |
50 mph |
50 mph |
| Stall Speed (power off) |
33 mph |
33 mph |
38 mph |
| Cruise Speed |
85 mph |
90 mph |
93 mph |
| Top Speed |
105 mph |
120 mph |
120 mph |
| Vne (Never Exceed) |
120 mph |
120 mph |
120 mph |
| Max. 90 deg. Crosswind |
20 mph |
20 mph |
20 mph |
| Range (economy cruise) - with 16 gallons |
333 sm |
328 sm |
350 sm |
| Fuel Consumption | 3.6 gal/hr | 3.8 gal/hr | 3.5 gal/hr |
*Contact Alaska Sportplanes for performance specifications for other configurations.
Make it your choice! This aircraft's rugged design allows you
the most flexibility on the market when it comes to selecting
your engine. With its strong airframe and high gross weight, you
can install almost any of the wide range of powerplants available
in sport aviation. The reliable Rotax engines and the Merlin GT
definitely make a great combination. Fly with any one of these
lightweight powerplants from the 65 hp 582 to the new 74 hp 618.
For those looking at a 4-stroke engine, Merlin Aircraft Inc.
recommends the 79 hp Rotax 912, Subaru auto-conversions, or any
of the Continental engines from 65 to 100 hp. The exciting
performance of these powerplants and the ease of their
installation make them a popular choice for today's pilot.
| Build Time |
350 hours |
| Gross Weight |
1300 lbs. |
| Empty Weight (Rotax 582) |
510 lbs. |
| Useful Load (Rotax 582) |
790 lbs. |
| Max. Cargo Capacity |
100 lbs. |
| Cabin Width |
41 inches |
| Landing Gear Width | 7 ft 3 inches |
| Wing Span |
30 feet |
| Length |
20 feet |
| Aircraft Height | 6 ft 5 inches |
| G-Loading |
+4, -2 g |
Whether exploring new terrain, or fishing in your favorite lake, the Merlin GT will give you the confidence to land almost anywhere. The ease of handling this aircraft has been dramatically increased by the wide landing gear stance, resulting in excellent crosswind landing capability and exceptional ground handling stability. In addition, the simple full-span aileron system and high-lift wing design contribute greatly to the outstanding STOL characteristics of the Merlin. Picture yourself at the controls applying full power and rapidly flying skyward. One of the most rewarding experiences is the freedom of flight. Imagine reaching that secluded lake for a camping weekend, flying to a friend's cottage, or landing in a snow-covered field.
Designed with the sport pilot in mind, this two-seater aircaft will introduce you to the world of ADVENTURE IN FLIGHT!
Well known for its roominess, the Merlin GT's 41 inch wide cabin provides plenty of shoulder, leg, and head room for a 6 foot 6 inch pilot and passenger. Taking a tent?... take the Merlin! The easy-access standard feature cargo pod conveniently located behind the side-by-side seats, easily accommodates a tent, tackle box, cooler and much more! This 100-pound capacity cargo pod ensures nothing is left behind. The large 38 inch wide instrument panel can be fitted with all of the FAA required VFR instrumentation (standard with every complete kit) while still leaving plenty of room for radios, transponders and any other extras desired. Once in the air, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery below. To quote Dave Martin, Editor of Kitplanes magazine, "...the visibility is exceptional!" This aircaft really lets you see where you are going. For those winter adventures, keeping warm is easily accomplished with the addition of a simple interior heating system, allowing you to enjoy the sight of a snow-covered landscape in complete comfort. Flying with the doors wide open during the warmer months, however, is an exhilarating feeling not to be missed!
-Keep It Simple- has been an important concept in the Merlin design, creating an aircraft that is easy to assemble and even easier to maintain. Today's modern kit builder is looking for an aircraft that is both exciting to fly and easy to build. The Merlin GT excels in both of these areas. All of the kit's major components are prefabricated at the factory, resulting in an aircraft that can be assembled with your common, everyday hand tools. The dual control system uses no bellcranks or pulleys, making installation of this hardware a breeze! Put all of this together, along with the illustrated, step-by-step manual, and your Merlin truly can be built in half the time of any comparable kit plane. Merlin Aircraft Inc. proudly boasts a sincere 300- to 400-hour build time, allowing you to be up and flying while others are still building.
"Anyone can do it! I built my Merlin at
67 years young in 347 hours.
The Merlin is a well-detailed kit and the best airplane
yet!"
... Ollie Kirksey, a
satisfied Merlin owner.
The foundation for the Merlin's ruggedness is the sturdy aircraft-grade Chromoly-steel fuselage, built of a larger diameter tubing than most other kits. In addition to this unique feature, all steel components come fully welded, professionally cleaned, and epoxy-painted. Airframe rust is not an option with the Merlin!
For your convenience, the wings can be folded to facilitate trailering and storage. With the removal of one more bolt, these wings can also be completely detached! And what about the fabric? Ease of application, low maintenance, durability, and good looks were some of the main reasons why PolyFiber covering was chosen for the Merlin. When the step-by-step process is followed, this lightweight, shrink-to-fit material is guaranteed by the manufacturer to last for 20 years. Tube and fabric has given the Merlin its stylish good looks, reminiscent of grass roots aviation from years gone by.
The Merlin GT is one of the most complete kits available on the market today. When we say complete...we mean COMPLETE! Unique to every Merlin is its long list of standard features, from the tundra tires and hydraulic brakes, to the instrumentation and the crating and much, much MORE! Included in the kit price is everything you need to fly. Housed entirely in one large craft, the Merlin can be delivered right to your doorstep and assembled in your very own garage. Low shipping costs and a fast delivery time will have you building sooner than you ever thought possible! Great satisfaction will be gained from building your Merlin and even greater satisfaction will be gained from flying it!
Designed in 1986, the Merlin GT has gained a solid reputation as a dependable and rugged aircraft, providing pilots and passengers with years of maximum safety and enjoyment. The Merlin aeronautical team is focused on meeting the future needs of these pilots, while still maintaining the solid strength and ruggedness for which this aircraft is known. Proud owners throughout North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia have made the Merlin a worldwide success. With its good looks and years of proven performance, this aircraft is the preferred choice of an increasing number of aviation enthusiasts. At Merlin Aircraft Inc., we are dedicated to quality customer service, and we believe strongly in providing professional support every step of the way. A growing, worldwide dealership network is ensuring that this customer support and service is always close at hand, from the first day of assembly through the many flying years ahead.
Merlin GT - Complete
Construction and Kit Details