Aero-TV Explores The Murphy Yukon

An Old Friend Proves That He's Still A Master Aircrafter
We caught up with an old friend a few months ago -- Canadian Aircraft Designer, Darryl Murphy. While it was nice to renew old acquaintances and talk shop... it was nicer still to see that there was a new aircraft in the world of Murphy Aircraft. Murphy Aircraft's new Yukon was designed with "versatility foremost in mind" with roomy seating for four, an economical engine option (using the Lycoming O-360), and a separate cargo compartment -- with a door big enough for all manner of cargo. Even more versatility has been built into this design with the availability of your choice of tricycle or conventional landing gear -- or even floats (straight floats or amphibs, too)!
The kit boasts jig-less construction and the option of fast-build kits so that building one doesn't have to be a life-long chore. The aircraft, based on Murphy's highly regarded SR2500 Super Rebel and Moose, provides excellent cruise performance, docile stall characteristics, forgiving low speed handling and simplicity of construction.
Darryl notes that while the Yukon is derived largely on the original SR2500 platform, it is designed to be a more affordable platform for builders to purchase, operate and maintain. Where the awesome 360+ HP Moose covers the heavy end of the spectrum with its rip-snorting radial engine and as many as six seats, the Yukon's approach was far more basic. Darryl stayed with four seats and a smaller, lighter powerplant so that the Yukon offered as much as possible on tighter budgets.
It's an adaptable bird, none-the-less, due to a "larger than life" passenger cabin and flexible seating arrangements. With all four seats in place, there is still sufficient room for two tents, coolers, chairs and camping gear for four. Removing the rear seat opens a HUGE area within which you can load items from stretchers to bicycles, or even use as sleeping accommodations!
With two large main doors, removable seats and the standard extra large cargo door, the huge interior (two inches wider than a Cessna 180) also easily accommodates bulky or long loads such as bikes, skis, furniture, lumber or camping supplies for four! The Yukon can even be used as a photographic platform with the rear baggage door removed. Hmmmm... there's an idea.
Murphy's Fast-Build Option
Like other Murphy birds, Darryl is offering a "Fast-Build" Option... All Fast-Build Yukon kits are delivered with the following structures partially completed. Certain skins which must be removed to allow for inspection, are finished, but held in place with temporary soft aluminum rivets:
WINGS - These are complete except for the fiberglass wing tip. Fuel tanks are sealed and pressure tested. Lower main wing skins are temporarily installed and require final riveting.
TAIL FEATHERS - These are complete except for the aerodynamic balances. Bottom skins are temporarily installed.
AILERONS AND FLAPS -Partially assembled, and in the case of the ailerons, again the aerodynamic balances must be completed. These control surfaces are ready to mount on the wings for final adjustment. Bottom skins are temporarily installed.
FUSELAGE -Perhaps the most impressive assembly since it's ready to go on its gear, and the wings, including the lift struts, can be bolted in place. The builder can climb right inside and start working in the cabin to complete the installation of the controls, doors, inner floor, seats, windows, and instrument panel.]
Fully approved to meet the 51% rule, meticulously assembled by skilled technicians and quality controlled, the Murphy Aircraft Fast-Build Yukon kit brings a new dimension to many year's a winning design philosophy at Murphy Aircraft.
FMI: www.murphyair.com/murphyair/default-2.html
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Is this airplane available to the public yet??