3 April 2014
Glasair Aviation has announced it will be adding two new aircraft to its product line: the Merlin LSA and the Sportsman Diesel. A mock-up of the new LSA is currently on display at Sun ‘n Fun, as well as the new engine option for the Sportsman (pictured).
According to Glasair, when the company was purchased by the Jilin Hanxing Group in 2012, this prompted a phase of renewed innovation at the mid-sized aviation manufacturer.
Merlin is Glasair’s first foray into the world of light sport aircraft. The SLSA will be the company’s first certified aircraft.
“Our goal was to design an LSA with exceptional flying characteristics, great visibility, aesthetically pleasing lines and easy access,” Chuck Hautamaki, Merlin’s chief engineer, said. Powered by a Rotax 912 iS, the aircraft will start flight testing in May.
“The Merlin LSA fits perfectly into our product line, rounding out a rich history of successful product launches that started in 1980 with the revolutionary Glasair,” Ted Setzer, one of Glasair’s founders, said.
The company’s second product announcement was a diesel engine option for their Sportsman, which will provide pilots with an engine alternative to current Avgas powerplants. The Sportsman Diesel will come equipped with a Centurion 2.0s diesel engine, a Hartzell Bantam three-blade propeller and VFR glass panel avionics. According to Glasair, this new engine is answering the demand for diesel, especially as Avgas prices continue to rise. The fuel burn is expected to be between five and six gallons per hour rather than 10 or more gallons per hour in the Avgas-burning model.
“We are extremely excited about offering the diesel for Sportsman customers,” Glasair President Nigel Mott said. “This is a major step for Glasair Aviation and we believe the market will readily embrace it. It will also open up new markets around the world where diesel is the only fuel available.”
Glasair Aviation is now accepting deposits for the Merlin and Sportsman Diesel. The first aircraft are scheduled to be delivered this autumn.
<a href=’http://www.glasairaviation.com’ target=’_blank’>www.glasairaviation.com</a>
