Fairchild Aerospace Merlin IVC Specs and Description

Background/History

The Fairchild Merlin IVC can trace its lineage back to the Sweareingen Merlin IIA, a turboprop aircraft design first flown in 1965 and certificated in 1966. The Merlin IIA was powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney of Canada PT6A-20 turboprop engines, but in 1968 was superceded by the Merlin IIB, powered by two Garrett TPE331-1-151G engines. Shortly after this, the Merlin III was introduced with a 2ft fuselage stretch and new wing, tail and landing gear of Swearingen design and TPE 331-303G turboprops. Developed almost simultaneously with the Merlin III was the Metro twenty-passenger commuter airliner with the same powerplants but differing primarily by having a considerably lengthened fuselage. Introduced at the same time was the Merlin IV, a corporate/executive version of the Metro which could accommodate up to twelve passengers in more luxurious comfort The final variant in this series, the Merlin IVC, was manufactured in 1982-83 with thirty-five aircraft produced before the line was ended.

Power

The Merlin IVC is powered by a pair of Allied Signal TPE331-11U-60 turboprop engines rated at 1,100 shp each. Engine inspection interval is 5,400 hours.

Avionics

The latest version of the Merlin IVC typically has installed a Bendix Series 10 EFIS and King Gold Crown comm/nav/ident avionics. The aircraft is also certified for the King KFC 400 digital autopilot and the King KNS 660 navigation management system.

Design Features

The Merlin IVC is a twin turboprop-powered pressurized business aircraft configured as a cantilever low, straight wing monoplane with a cruciform tail section. The retractable tricycle landing gear has dual wheels on all three units. A port-side airstair is installed forward of the wing. A large door on the aft port side of the fuselage makes gives easy access to the 136 cu.ft. rear baggage compartment. An additonal 45 cu.ft. baggage area is located in the nose of the aircraft.

Accomodations

Ther latest variant of the Merlin IVC has a redesigned cabin to make the cabin length shorter by moving the lavatory and vanity area forward to occupy the last three feet of the passenger area. The front of the passenger area opposite the airstair accomodates a 30 cu.ft compartment for coats and briefcases. Typically ten seats are arranged in a double club fashion with provisions for two single benches facing the aisle. Cabin dimensions are4.7ft. In height, 5.2ft. In width and 25.4ft in length for the passenger area, not including the aft internal baggage area.