One month after gaining light sport aircraft (LSA) certification, Glasair Aviation is tweaking the design of the two-seat Merlin flight trainer to reduce weight and improve performance.
Five beta models are in production now with the improved Merlin design, which includes a slightly more contoured cowling and a reduced-weight airframe, says Dan Burwell, vice-president of operations for Glasair Aviation.
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The design goal is to reduce the weight enough to add about 70lb to the maximum payload, he adds. The extra payload would help Glasair accommodate a planned option for a ballistic recovery system.
