MURPHY AIRCRAFT Manufacturing launched the SR 2500 Super Rebel kitplane at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Sun'n'Fun Fly-in at Lakelands, Florida, on 9-15 April, and attracted initial interest with an introductory offer which effectively reduces the cost of the all-metal four-seater by $500 to $16,000.
A full airframe will be exhibited at the EAA's Oshkosh convention in July, by which time the Canadian company plans to have between 20 and 50 orders. The first flight is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 1995 and deliveries should begin by mid-1996.
Marketing manager Dave Walker says that the SR 2500 started out as simply a stretched Rebel - Murphy's two-seat kitplane, which has clocked up more than 500 sales - but has evolved into an entirely different aircraft. The Super Rebel's wing span is 1.8m (6ft) longer, at 11m, and a redesigned fuselage allows the easier installation of bulkheads.
Gross weight is 1,135kg and engine sizes range from 110kW (150hp) to 190kW. The Super Rebel will have a convertible tailwheel or tricycle landing gear.
Murphy has a contract to supply 16 Rebel kits to the Algerian Government for border patrol. In a deal arranged through France, the kits are being supplied to a French manufacturer for assembly before being shipped to Algeria.
Source: Flight International
