Meet the Yukon

In a Thursday afternoon press conference, Murphy Aircraft Manufacturing, Ltd., introduced their latest offering: the Yukon.

The Yukon shares many components with their popular Rebel and Moose models, but differentiates itself by being less costly to build, operate or maintain. The savings primarily come from the use of a smaller 180 HP Lycoming 360, with an optional 210 HP Lycoming 390. These will be the only powerplant options supported for the aircraft.

"The Yukon has the same seats, cabin length, width and fuselage size as the Moose yet it burns about half the fuel of the radial-powered version." said company owner, president and designer Darryl Murphy.

By utilizing pre-punched, matched-hole construction, the Yukon is designed with the beginner builder in mind. It can sport tricycle or conventional landing gear, with straight or amphibious floats also available. Like all Murphy designs, the Yukon is designed for backcountry operations. With a takeoff roll of just 400 feet, and a landing rollout of 500 feet, the Yukon can get in and out of some really tight spots. Said Murphy: "We feel it is an ideal plane for low-time pilots. It offers the opportunity to fly friends and family anywhere."

With a 60 gallon wet-wing standard, the Yukon should have five to six hours of endurance, depending on engine choice. Additional fuel capacity is an option, but with an obvious decrease in other payload.

Although Murphy hasn't yet flown the prototype, the company are taking orders. Tail kits are currently being shipped, with fuselage and wing kits expected to be available in December of this year.

Pricing for the firewall back kit is $37,500. Sub-kits are available, for those who cannot or choose not to shell out for the full kit all at once.

FMI: www.murphyair.com