Photograph:
Murphy Elite ZK-WRM (c/n 578E) at Rangiora, NZ in December 2012 (A Bowman – NZCIVAIR)
Country of origin:
Canada
Description:
Two-seat light sporting monoplane
Power Plant:
One 134 kw (180 hp) Lycoming O-360 four-cylinder horizontally-opposed air-cooled engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 9.25 m (30 ft 4 in)
- Length: 6.81 m (22 ft 4 in)
- Wing area: 14.1 m² (152 sq ft)
- Max speed: 233 km/h (145 mph)
- Cruising speed: 212 km/h (132 mph)
- Stalling speed with full flaps: 68 km/h (42 mph)
- Never exceed speed: 253 km/h (157 mph)
- Rate of climb: 427 m/min (1,400 ft/min)
- Range: 1,099 km (683 miles)
- Endurance: 5.2 hours
- Fuel capacity: 170 litres (37 Imp gals)
- Empty weight: 499 kg (1,100 lb)
- Loaded weight: 816 kg (1,800 lb)
History:
The Elite was designed by Murphy Aircraft of Chilliwack in British Colombia and is one of a range of light kit planes produced by the Company for the sport pilot. It was introduced to the Company’s range in April 1996, initially becoming known as the Rebel Elite but the Rebel name was later dropped. Originally designed as a tricycle undercarriage variant of the Murphy Rebel, it offered a tailwheel undercarriage as an option. However, it incorporated some refinements over the Rebel and became known as a new type, having a reinforced airframe, a cantilever tailplane with a one-piece elevator, all-metal control surfaces and split flaps. Wing attachment points and leading edges were also redesigned.
These improvements to the aircraft meant that it was able to achieve a gross weight of 816 kg (1,800 lb), thus allowing engines up to 134 kw (180 hp) to be installed. The aircraft has strut-braced wings and seating for three. Other engines available include the Lycoming O-320 and the Lycoming O-235. It can and has been operated on wheels, tundra tyres, skis and floats.
At least one example has been completed in this region, this being ZK-WRM (c/n 578E) registered to its owner / builder on 19 December 2012, this being powered by a Lycoming O-360 engine.