TechProAviation Merlin 100

The TechProAviation Merlin HV 100 is a Czech amateur-built aircraft, designed and produced by TechProAviation of Olomouc. The aircraft is supplied as a kit for amateur construction.[1][2]

Merlin 100
Merlin HV-100
Role Amateur-built aircraft
National origin Czech Republic
Manufacturer TechProAviation
Introduction 2011
Status In production (2015)
Number built 10 by 2013

Design and development

The Merlin 100 features a cantilever high-wing, a single-seat enclosed cockpit accessed via a single door on the fuselage righthand side, fixed tricycle landing gear with wheel pants and a single engine in tractor configuration.[1][2]

The aircraft is made from matched-hole drilled sheet aluminum. Its 7.8 m (25.6 ft) span wing has an area of 7.05 m2 (75.9 sq ft) and mounts flaps. The standard engine used is the 35 hp (26 kW) Verner JCV 360 twin cylinder four-stroke powerplant. Alternative engines include the 60 hp (45 kW) HKS 700E four-stroke, 50 hp (37 kW) Hirth F-23 and 64 hp (48 kW) Rotax 582 two-stroke powerplants. The aircraft will be marketed as a kit only.[1][2][3]

By mid-2011 only the prototype had flown, logging 100 hours of testing,[1] These tests led to modifications; by November 2012 the prototype had gained a fin fillet and the mainwheel legs were slightly forward raked.[4]

Operational history

By 2013 ten Merlins had been built. Flyaway prices, without tax, are engine dependent; the cheapest is the Verner-engined variant at €15,500 in 2015.[4]

Variants

These are in production in late 2015:[4]

Merlin 100 UL
Version for the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale microlight class,[3] specification below. A tailwheel version was flown in April 2012 and is available.[4]
Merlin 100 ML
Lightened version for the German 120 kg (265 lb) class[5] It has reduced dimensions, with a span of 6.40 m (21 ft 0 in) and length of 5.12 m (16 ft 10 in), a tailwhell undercarriage and is powered by a Polini motorcycle engine. It first flew in late March 2014.[4]
Merlin Mikro
Version with conventional landing gear for the European 120 kg class. Equipped with a Thor 200 powerplant.[2]
Rotax
As 100UL but with a Rotax 582 engine which gives it a speed of 240 km/h (150 mph; 130 kn). An amphibious floatplane version is planned.

Specifications (Merlin 100 UL)

Data from Bayerl and TechProAviation[1][3]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Length: 5.3 m (17 ft 5 in)
  • Wingspan: 7.8 m (25 ft 7 in)
  • Height: 2.12 m (6 ft 11 in)
  • Wing area: 7.05 m2 (75.9 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 150 kg (331 lb)
  • Gross weight: 300 kg (661 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 50 litres (11 imp gal; 13 US gal)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Verner JCV 360 twin cylinder, air-cooled, four stroke aircraft engine, 26 kW (35 hp)
  • Propellers: 2-bladed composite

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 160 km/h (99 mph, 86 kn)
  • Stall speed: 62 km/h (39 mph, 33 kn) flaps down
  • Never exceed speed: 185 km/h (115 mph, 100 kn)
  • Wing loading: 42.5 kg/m2 (8.7 lb/sq ft)

References
  1. Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 123. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16, page 82. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. ISSN 1368-485X
  3. TechProAviation (2011). "Merlin 100 UL". Archived from the original on 10 February 2013. Retrieved 24 October 2012.
  4. Gunston, Bill (2016). Jane's All the World's Aircraft  : development & production : 2016-17. IHS Global. pp. 208–9. ISBN 978-0-7106-3177-0.
  5. TechProAviation (2011). "Merlin 100 ML". Retrieved 24 October 2012.
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