The Merlin is a double-surfaced flexible wing designed for cross-country and competition flying. Strong construction and pitch-positive airfoil plus higher tha normal wing loading help cope with turbulence. It has been test flown through completely vertical dives and sideslips and past vertical wing-overs, pulling up to 4.5G recorded.
A rounded nose plate is fitted and rigging can be adjusted easily for either prone or seated flight. The centre of gravity is adjustable and breakdown allows shipping at about half the leading edge length.
The airframe is aircraft quality 6063-T832 1.75in x .049 leading edges, and 1.5in x .058 crossbar. Stainless steel bushings with inside sleeving are fitted, and deflexers. No dowelling are fitted.
Maring stainless steel 3/32in 7×7 rigging is used throughout with protective coating on the bottom wires. Quick links and pins are used so the rigging and control frame can be quickly removed.
All hardware is stainless steel or aircraft quality aluminium. Nuts, washers, bolts and turnbuckls are aircraft grade.
The sail is 3.8oz stabilised dacron with doble zig-zag stitching. Four full length battens are on each side of the sail. A removable rib is fitted over the keel for a second surface.
A seat, sophisticated harness, or prone harness was available.
Merlin 20×8.5
Leading edge: 20 ft
Keel length: 8.5 ft
Wing span: 32 ft
Aspect ratio: 6.4
Nose angle: 106˚
Weight: 53 lb
Pilot weight: 140-165 lb
Best glide ratio (L/D): 8-1
Min sink: 250 fpm
Merlin 21×10
Leading edge: 21 ft
Keel length: 10 ft
Wing span: 34 ft
Aspect ratio: 6.4
Nose angle: 106˚
Weight: 56 lb
Pilot weight: 160-185 lb
Best glide ratio (L/D): 8-1
Min sink: 250 fpm
All Aero 