It can be built as a basic ultra-light, an advanced ultra-light or amateur-built aircraft. The Merlin was designed in 1986 by John Burch, who intended to use it in his flight training school. Burch was disappointed with the early ultralights available, in particular their inability to take off and land in crosswinds. The aircraft wing was inspired by the Lazair's wing and used the same aluminum "D" cell and foam rib construction techniques and constant-tapered wing planform. The first example, built by Birch's company, Macair, flew in 1987. The Merlin won the Pilot's Choice Award as Best Ultralight at the Aircraft Sport Expo in 1988. Burch formed Macair Industries in Baldwin, Ontario to produce the aircraft. Initially there were two versions: the Merlin M50 powered by the 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503 two-stroke powerplant and the Merlin GT and Sport 65 version powered by the 64 hp (48 kW) Rotax 532 and later 582. The 100 hp (75 kW) Honda-based CAM 100 engine was also available as an option. In 1991 Burch moved production of the Merlin to Michigan, USA under a new company name, Malcolm Aircraft. Within a short time that company went out of business and the Merlin was picked up by a new company in 1993 operating under the name of Merlin Aircraft who marketed the Merlin GT. After three years the company ceased business and the rights to the design were acquired by Blue Yonder Aviation of Indus, Alberta who continue to produce kits. Marketing in the United States was conducted by Aerocomp (now Comp Air) for some time, but this arrangement has been ended. For more design details, list of manufacturers and variants, click here.
