Merlin
RELATED UNI-WIKI REFERENCES
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The Merlin is the most powerful combat frigate of the Caldari. Its role has evolved through the years, and while its defenses have always remained exceptionally strong for a Caldari vessel, its offensive capabilities have evolved from versatile, jack-of-all-trades attack patterns into focused and deadly gunfire tactics. The Merlin's primary aim is to have its turrets punch holes in opponents' hulls. SHIP BONUSES
Traits:
Ship Attributes
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5 (4/2) 
5 
2
45 MW 
190 tf
290 m/sec
300 m³
Summary
The changes brought to the Merlin in Inferno (found here) have made it one of the best- if not the best- Tech 1 frigates in the game, especially for running Level I combat missions. Pilots may fit this ship to fulfill almost any need, whether it be a swift shield tanked tackler, a very tough shield tank or an above-average damage dealer.
Skills
- General support fitting skills
Fitting
Tackle
Light Ion Blaster II
Light Ion Blaster II
Light Ion Blaster II
Faint Epsilon Warp Scrambler I
Fleeting Propulsion Inhibitor I
Limited 1MN Microwarpdrive I
Medium Shield Extender II
Damage Control II
Micro Auxiliary Power Core I
Overdrive Injector System II
Small Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Small Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Small Anti-Thermal Screen Reinforcer I
Void S x1000
- Basic, and best T1 Tackle Frig
- You can drop the web for an adaptive or a MASB if you want more tank
- You can swap the overdrive for a mag stab for more DPS
- Downgrade modules to meta 3/4 if you cannot fit T2
- Drop/downgrade the guns if fitting space is an issue
Solo
Light Ion Blaster II
Light Ion Blaster II
Light Ion Blaster II
1MN Afterburner II
Medium Ancillary Shield Booster
Faint Epsilon Warp Scrambler I
Fleeting Propulsion Inhibitor I
Pseudoelectron Containment Field I
Magnetic Field Stabilizer II
Magnetic Field Stabilizer II
Small Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Small Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I
Small Anti-Thermal Screen Reinforcer I
Tactics
The Merlin is a powerful frigate in that it can be fit for either DPS or tackle, whilst maintaining a respectable tank for a T1 frigate (thanks to its shield resists). A Merlin fit for DPS with Tech 2 Neutron Blasters firing Void can reach around 160 dps. However it is necessary to have Weapon Upgrades V and run a Micro Auxiliary Power Core to fit the Neutron blasters and tank.
When flying a blaster Merlin, get in close. Your minuscule optimal ranges means you basically have to face hug your enemies. This can cause serious problems when fighting Kitey frigates or cruisers, especially since the Merlin isn't the fastest frigate out there. In these cases it's best to either run from the fight, or wait until an ally can web/scram down the enemy allowing you to catch up/warp to them.
Considering the Merlins strengths (good tank for a T1, potentially high DPS output) and weaknesses (slower speed), the logical position for it is that of a DPS/Secondary Tackle Frigate in a fleet/gang. As such you rely on other Tackle Frigates to slow down the target, which allows you to get up close and apply your respectable DPS.
Notes
This vessel qualifies for the University Ship Replacement Program, PYOS, and BYOM.
Outer Ring Excavation Ships
