The Murphy Elite
Introduction • Description • Specs • Performance • Order Info
Open the world of opportunity with the Murphy Elite. With
standard spring gear and the option of floats, there is almost no
surface you can't utilize to fly from. Load the ample baggage
compartment and head off to adventure in roomy style or explore your
own backyard while cruising around with the
windows open. Designed for the first time builder, the all metal
construction and pre-formed parts along will get you moving toward
the flightline quicker than ever.
The Elite is a second-generation Rebel, redesigned
allowing for the use of either tricycle or conventional gear. Other
design features include a new cantilevered stabilizer, one-piece
elevator, all-metal control surfaces, strengthened fuselage design,
and beefed-up wings and leading edges. All of these changes give the
Elite an 1800-lb. gross weight and the ability to accommodate
engines up to 180 hp. and simpler construction.
As with the other Murphy models, the Elite is
manufactured using exceptionally accurate computer controlled
punches, lathes and milling machines, eliminating the need for
complicated jigs. All you need is a good level working table
(approximately 16’ long), some storage room and you’re ready to
assembly your new Rebel Elite. You will soon find that Murphy has
taken the complexity out of building an all metal aircraft and
within a few hours you will be completing your first component. To
give you some idea of how fast the Elite can be built; the
horizontal stabilizer can be assembled and ready for inspection in
under 16 hours.
The Elite’s design blends a little of the Rebel
and the SR2500. Like all Murphy aircraft, the Elite offers an
excellent strength-to-weight ratio and low maintenance costs, with
ease of inspection and repair. This lightweight aircraft combines a
larger cargo area while still providing excellent STOL
characteristics. Its structure has also been designed to meet or
exceed the airworthiness standards of the USA FAR Part 23, Subpart
C, the UK BCAR Section S. and the Canadian D.O.T. The Elite is
stressed to + 5.7 g and - 3.8 g at 1800 lbs. (Normal Category).
Designed with the option of tricycle gear, the
Rebel Elite accommodates those pilots who liked the Rebel but were
uncomfortable with a taildragger. The nosewheel is free swiveling
and steering is accomplished through brake input, similar to
steering amphibian floats. The tricycle gear mounts to two 2" square
tubes running across the floor, and is sandwiched between four
layers of skin thickness to absorb the landing loads and hold the
gear steady.
The Elite offers you the benefits of an all-metal
airframe including separate flaps and ailerons that are both
aerodynamically and mass balanced. The ailerons are activated by
torque tubes. As with the Rebel, the flap handle is placed on the
roof between pilot and passenger, allowing for easy access. The
flaps are controlled by push/pull tubes giving immediate solid
response. The system is unique in the fact that, with flap
extension, the ailerons droop, providing very impressive slow
flight. The roll rate on the Elite is crisp and the aerodynamic
balance provides just the right mix between input and response. Dual
controls including dual (toe) brakes are standard on the Elite
making it ideal for flight training.
The Elite’s fuselage has been shortened 3" to
accommodate larger engines and to ensure the proper C of G is
reached. The cabin floor still features a sub-floor design with 2"
spacing, but now is assembled with one-piece .063 doorsills and
floor bulkheads, increasing strength and decreasing build time. The
rear cabin area has been increased in height by four inches and a
larger door has been developed, allowing for easier access to the
back for storage or an extra jump seat.
The instrument panel has been increased in depth
and rounded on top, giving even more room to customize it for your
needs. Murphy Aircraft can provide you with a complete line of
instruments and avionics and even pre-punch the panel (special
order).
The empennage has been totally redesigned — the
stabilizer is now a one-piece cantilevered component coupled to a
one-piece elevator. This feature came directly from the development
of our four place Super Rebel. The tail enhancement reduces drag as
well as simplifies the building process, while providing for
superior stability and control. The stabilizer and fin are both
constructed using a symmetrical rib between stringer-braced skins.
The stabilizer is mounted to the fuselage at four points using four
bolts. The elevator is attached at three hinge points to the
stabilizer and features large, aerodynamically balanced aluminum
tips to lighten flight loads. Along with the change in design, the
rear empennage has grown in width and height. The horizontal width
has increased to a lengthy 110" while the vertical plane now reaches
54" up, and has grown in width to handle the larger engine and
higher gross weight. Cables are used for the elevator and rudder
controls and electric elevator trim is standard equipment.
The Elite wings remain relatively unchanged, using
the same modified NACA 4415 airfoil as the Rebel, but feature
strengthened attach points and a leading edge made from .032
aluminum instead of .020. These changes strengthen the wing
increasing the gross weight to 1800 lb., as well as the option to
countersink rivets in the leading edge. Fuel capacity remains at 44
USG in two wet-wing fuel tanks, although an optional extended fuel
tank is available increasing capacity to 59 USG.
All welding is done at the factory and powder
coating is standard. Control column; rudder and brake pedals; high
back seat frames and engine mount are ready to assemble. The engine
mount is powder coated white which will allow for easy
identification of any crack or oil leak. The Elite kit includes
aluminum spring gear, 6" "J.D.M." aluminum main wheels accommodating
6.00 x 6 tires and Murphy’s own hydraulic brake system. The cast
iron brake disk material provides excellent heat dissipation that
translates into long disc life and low upkeep costs. The axles are 1
1/4" 2024-T35 aluminum and employ a 1 3/8" bolt pattern. As with the
Rebel, float fittings are also an available option.
The Elite can be equipped with a variety of
engines ranging from the economical Lycoming O-235 (115 hp), O-320
(150-160 hp) or up to the hearty O-360, 180 hp. Murphy Aircraft can
supply you with a new engine directly from Lycoming, literally
saving you thousands of dollars. Complete engine mounting packages
are available or parts can be purchased individually to help you in
your own custom installation. Also available at similar savings, are
factory new "Sensenich" metal propellers.
With the increased gross weight, plus the ability
to use 180 hp., the Rebel Elite provides the individual with a
rugged, economical and low maintenance, comfortable two-seater with
ample space for luggage or a third passenger. The low stalling speed
allows for good short field performance while still providing decent
cruising speeds. The Elite will adapt to floats, skis or tricycle
gear conversion.
