|notes=This heavier but slower tackler makes use of the Merlin's excellent shield tank, with over 3000 EHP against the weakest EMP resistance. The "recommended" skillset allows fitting of a microwarpdrive in place of the afterburner, if the guns are downgraded to 125mm. Weapon range is less than 4km without range-boosting skills, so you need to orbit close (watch out for smartbomb battleships). Choose ammo type to match your target.<br>
Improving your fitting skills further or replacing meta-0 with named modules will free up even more powergrid for better weapons or T2 systems.
The Merlin is the most powerful all-out combat frigate of the Caldari. It is highly valued for its versatility in using both missiles and turrets, while its defenses are exceptionally strong for a Caldari vessel.
SHIP BONUSES
Caldari Frigate Skill Bonus: 5% bonus to shield resistances and 10% bonus to Small Hybrid Turret optimal range per skill level.
Required Skills
Caldari Frigate III8h 53m
Spaceship Command I8m
Training Time what's this?
0d 9h 1m
Estimated training time only for the listed skills based on zero implants and without neural remaps.
Base Time to Warp is essentially the time needed for this ship to align and accelerate until it reaches 75% of its top speed and goes to warp. The time displayed here is the base calculated time with no account for any warp related skills, modules or any other effects.
Drones
Drone Capacity
0 m³
Drone Bandwidth
0 Mbit/sec
Targeting
Max Tgt. Range
30 km
Max Locked Targets
4
Gravimetric Sensor
11 points
Sig. Radius
40 m
Scan Res.
550 mm
Structure
Structure Hitpoints
313 HP
Mass
997,000 kg
Volume
16,500 m³
Cargo Capacity
130 m³
Armor
Armor Hitpoints
351 HP
Armor Resistances
EM
50
THR
45
KIN
25
EXP
10
Shields
Shield Capacity
469 HP
Shield Resistances
EM
0
THR
20
KIN
40
EXP
50
Summary
The Merlin is unique among t1 frigates for having 4 mid slots, giving it great flexibility as a tackler, though it is a bit hampered by its low speed. As a damage dealing frigate however the merlin is a bit lacking with its split weapon systems and an optimal range bonus to hybrids, but no damage bonus. Though its base speed is slower than a punisher the merlin is usually tanked with a MSE rather than the punisher's armor plate, making it faster. Given the hybrid bonus on the merlin is to optimal, it is often fitted with autocannons instead of blasters when fit for close range.
Skills
Further information about additional or recommended skills to pilot Merlin for a specific or it's common role(s) can be written here.
