TYPE: Side-by-side kitbuilt.

PROGRAMME: Developed by Macair Aircraft in Canada; later Merlin Aircraft. Rotax 582-powered version first flown January 1985; 912-powered version in January 1993.

CURRENT VERSIONS: Available as floatplane, trainer, agricultural sprayer.

CUSTOMERS: At least 300 flying by mid-2002.

COSTS: Complete kits: Standard (with Rotax 582) US$27,995; Rotax 912-powered version US$35,995; Rotax 912S-powered version US$36,995 (2003).

DESIGN FEATURES: Strut-braced high wing; braced tailplane. No aerodynamic balances or tabs on empennage. Wings fold for storage. Quoted build time 400 hours.

FLYING CONTROLS: Manual. Full span Junkers flaperons; conventional rudder and elevator. Actuation by pushrods and cables.

STRUCTURE: Fuselage of welded 4130 chromoly steel tubing, with wooden floor and glass fibre engine cowling, otherwise fabric-covered. Metal wings with fabric covering.

LANDING GEAR: Non-retractable mainwheels and tailwheel. Metal tube mainwheel legs with bungee-bound shock-absorption; hydraulic brakes; steerable tailwheel. Full Lotus or Superfloats floats optional.

POWER PLANT: One 47.8 kW (64.1 hp) Rotax 582 engine, driving a two- or three-blade propeller; or a choice of 59.6 kW (79.9 hp) Rotax 912, 73.5 kW (98.6 hp) Rotax 912 ULS, 55.0 kW (73.8 hp) Rotax 618, 74.6 kW (100 hp) Canadian Automotive (CAM) 100, 59.7 kW (80 hp) Jabiru 2000 or 82.0 kW (110 hp) Formula Power Subaru EA81 engines. Fuel capacity 61 litres (16.0 US gallons; 13.3 Imp gallons).

SYSTEMS: 12 V electrical system, with battery.

ACCOMMODATION: Two persons, side by side with baggage stowage behind seats. Upward-opening door each side. Dual controls.