The Murphy Elite

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 Rebel, redesigned for tricycle gear. It is now also available with 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, partially compensating for the higher empty weight, plus the ability to accommodate engines up to 180 hp.

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 for 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, allowing you to customize it for your needs.

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. 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. 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 ability to use 180 hp., the Rebel Elite provides the individual with a rugged and economical 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.

For pricing details please contact the Murphy Aircraft Manufacturing Sales Team at ... Kits@PattersonAeroSales.com