To enhance the utility of your
Rebel or Elite and enable you the access to those hidden lakes in
the back country, Murphy Aircraft has designed a series of all
aluminum straight and amphibious float kits. Currently, Murphy
Aircraft is manufacturing two weight category of floats, the 1500
and 1800 pound displacement. The 1500 series, straight and
amphibious models are excellent for our light weight Rebel and can
easily be fitted on many of the popular kit planes in this weight
range. The 1800 series were designed for the higher gross Rebel
and Elite and are also adaptable to a number of popular kit
planes. Future plans include a 3300 pound displacement float for
the four place Super Rebel.
Murphy floats, like our aircraft,
require no jigs to assemble, just lay them out on a level working
table and the self aligning pilot holes will set you on the right
path. They are constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum which has
excellent corrosion resistant properties and is easy to work. When
you open the crate, you will find you have everything to complete
your floats (less tools). All Murphy floats feature twin water
rudders, spreader bars and connecting struts.
Each float is comprised of eight
watertight compartments with easy access through 6" spin-on caps.
Side and top deck plates are pre-punched providing for the
location of the 11 main bulkheads, 7 false and 3 short putting you
on the fast track for completion. Final forming of the bulkheads
are required but Murphy even supplies a metal shrinker/stretcher
in each kit and a complete tool kit is also available. The floats
are assembled using a "tank" (self sealing) rivet which is a blind
rivet only requiring a hand or pneumatic rivet gun. This allows
you to work alone and probably will save you some expense by not
missing with that bucking bar!
Amphibious floats offer the widest
range of possibilities for turning weekends into splashdown
adventures. Wheels on the amphibious models are retracted by four
independent hydraulic cylinders by using a simple hand pump
located within easy reach to the pilot.
Both Murphy amphibious floats
incorporate a Cleveland 5" main wheels and brakes with low profile
tires and 8" free castering nose wheels. Steering is accomplished
through differential braking allowing the floats to quickly pivot.
Lowering the wheels requires approximately 18 - 20 strokes of the
hand pump. The main gear is locked into position by the linkage
simply over centering and the nose gear cambers to the rear and is
held in place by hydraulic pressure. Suspension is provided by
compression washers on the main gear leg and by a semi-flexible
front gear arm.
Instructions are well laid out in
a step by step instruction manual with detailed exploded views.
Assembly times will vary for each individual and times will range
from 250 - 500 hours depending on the size and type of float being
assembled.
Talk to one of our friendly sales
reps for more information on how you can convert your Rebel or
other kit plane for float flying... it’s quick, easy and beats
nearly everything out there for cost.
