Murphy Maverick

Murphy Maverick
Role Two-seat high-wing ultralight
National origin Canada
Manufacturer Murphy Aircraft
Introduction 1993
Status In production (2011)
Number built 105 (2011)

The Murphy Maverick is a Canadian two-seat fixed-wing ultralight monoplane designed by Murphy Aircraft of British Columbia.[1] The type is sold as a kit for home construction or as a complete ready-to-fly aircraft.[2][3][4]

Development

Designed as a smaller version of the Rebel, the Maverick is an all-metal high-wing braced monoplane with two side-by-side seats and a tailwheel landing gear.[1] The aircraft was designed around the Rotax 503 powerplant, with the goal of producing an economical ultralight trainer.[5] As a homebuilt it can also be fitted with a number of different piston engines including the HKS 700, Rotax 582 and Jabiru 2200.[1][3][4][6]

The aircraft is mainly built from sheet aluminium, with the tail and rear sections of the wings fabric covered to save weight.[1][3] The wings are constructed using a "D" cell, with stamped ribs and a single wing strut. The standard wing span on the Maverick is 29 ft 6 in (8.99 m), but an optional wing extension is available to increase the wingspan to reduce the wing loading.[5]

The standard landing gear is of a taildragger configuration and bungee suspended, with sprung steel main gear as an option. Additional options include 24 US gal (91 L) wing-mounted fuel tanks and fittings for installing floats.[5]

Variants

Phoenix Aircraft Maverick PA
Licensed built version constructed by Phoenix Aircraft of Munich, Germany for the European market. This version incorporates different seats, plus electric flaps and trim.[3][4]

Specifications (Murphy Maverick)

Data from World Directory of Leisure Aviation[1] & Cliche[5]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 1 passenger
  • Length: 20 ft 8 in (6.30 m)
  • Wingspan: 29 ft 6 in (9.0 m)
  • Wing area: 147.5 sq ft (13.70 m2)
  • Empty weight: 468 lb (212.5 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Jabiru 2200 piston engine, 80 hp (60 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 109 mph (176 km/h, 95 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 85 mph (136 km/h, 73 kn)
  • Minimum control speed: 32 mph (52 km/h, 28 kn)
  • Range: 280 mi (450 km, 240 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 13,000 ft (4,000 m)
  • g limits: +5.7/-3.8

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2004/2005". World Directory of Light Aviation. Pagefast Ltd, England: 152. 2004. ISSN 1368-485X.
  2. ^ Vandermeullen, Richard: 2011 Kit Aircraft Buyer's Guide, Kitplanes, Volume 28, Number 12, December 2011, page 61. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
  3. ^ a b c d Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 66 and 70. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
  4. ^ a b c Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16, pages 69 and 73. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. ISSN 1368-485X
  5. ^ a b c d Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, page B-91 Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. ISBN 0-9680628-1-4
  6. ^ Downey, Julia: 2008 Kit Aircraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 24, Number 12, December 2007, page 57-58. Primedia Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
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