When it was introduced in April 1996 it was originally known as the Rebel Elite.
The Elite was originally designed as a tricycle gear version of the Murphy Rebel, although it is now also offered with conventional landing gear as an option. It also incorporated some improvements over the Rebel, including a reinforced airframe, cantilever tailplane with a one-piece elevator, all-metal control surfaces, split configuration flaps, and upgraded wing attachment points and leading edges. This enabled the design to achieve a gross weight of 18000NaN0, and to mount engines of up to 1800NaN0. The Elite features a strut-braced high-wing, three seats, tricycle landing gear and a single engine in tractor configuration.[1] [2] [5] [6]
The aircraft is made from aluminum sheet. Its 30.31NaN1 span wing is supported by single lift struts. The occupants are accommodated in an enclosed cabin of 441NaN1 width, with doors for access and egress. With a standard empty weight of 11000NaN0 and a gross weight of 18000NaN0, the Elite has a useful load of 7000NaN0. Acceptable power range is 115to, and recommended engines include the 1800NaN0 Lycoming O-360, 150to Lycoming O-320 and the 1150NaN0 Lycoming O-235.[7]
Construction time from the factory kit is estimated at 1400 hours. The Elite can be operated on wheels, including tundra tires, skis and floats.[1] [4]