Renegade Wings: Charting the Skies
An in-depth guide to the Murphy Renegade, a celebrated Canadian kit biplane for the discerning builder.
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Overview
National Origin & Role
The Murphy Renegade is a family of Canadian-designed, two-seat, tandem, single-engine biplanes intended for amateur construction. It falls under the category of kit aircraft, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to build their own aircraft.[1][2]
Manufacturer & Designer
Developed by Murphy Aircraft, the original design concept originated from Darryl Murphy. The company, initially Murphy Aviation, was later renamed Murphy Aircraft Manufacturing.
Production & Numbers
Production of the Renegade family began in 1984 and continues to the present. As of 2011, approximately 590 units had been built, indicating sustained interest in this versatile kit aircraft.[1]
Development Story
An Unexpected Beginning
The genesis of the Renegade design is rooted in a personal event. Darryl Murphy, a mechanical engineering technologist, initially designed a rigid-wing hang glider in 1978. Following a non-aviation accident in 1984 that necessitated a four-month hospitalization, Murphy utilized his recovery time to design a biplane. This initial design, a single-seat aircraft named Renegade, was intended as a personal project without commercial production in mind.[11]
From Hobby to Company
The positive reception of the original Renegade at aviation events prompted Murphy to establish Murphy Aviation in 1985. The company, later renamed Murphy Aircraft Manufacturing, relocated to Chilliwack, British Columbia. The single-seat design was adapted into the two-seat Renegade II by repositioning the fuel tank and adding a second seat. Despite initial slow sales, widespread positive reviews in the aviation press significantly boosted demand, leading to a substantial order backlog by 1986.[11][12]
Design & Construction
Fuselage and Tail Structure
The Renegade's fuselage is primarily constructed from aluminum square tubing extrusions and fittings, secured with Avex rivets. The turtle deck and engine cowling are fabricated from fiberglass, contributing to a lightweight yet robust airframe. The tail surfaces, including the fin, rudder, horizontal stabilizer, and elevators, are built from aluminum tubing and channel sections, with the tail structure being wire-braced for enhanced stability. An optional manual trim tab is available for the elevator.[13][18]
Wing Configuration
The biplane features a positive stagger, with the upper wing having a span of 21 feet (6.4 meters) and incorporating a 10-degree sweep. This sweep enhances visibility from the rear cockpit, improves front-seat accessibility, and mitigates adverse yaw. The lower wing possesses 3 degrees of dihedral. Ailerons are of the Frise type, with two standard on the lower wing and four optional. The wing structure consists of aluminum spars and ribs, with an aluminum sheet leading edge. All surfaces are covered with aircraft fabric, and control inputs are transmitted via torque tubes.[13][18]
Variants
Renegade
The original single-seat prototype, one unit was built. It was powered by a 40 hp (30 kW) Rotax 447 engine.[13][20]
Renegade II
This is the primary two-seat biplane variant. It was initially offered with a 50 hp (37 kW) Rotax 503 or a 64 hp (48 kW) Rotax 532 engine.[13]
Renegade Spirit
Introduced in May 1987, the Renegade Spirit features a distinctive round cowling, reminiscent of radial engines, and additional fuselage stringers for a rounded aesthetic. It was typically powered by the 64 hp (48 kW) Rotax 532 or Rotax 582, with the 80 hp (60 kW) four-stroke Rotax 912UL available as an option. Fiberglass wheel pants were also offered.[14][2]
Specifications
General Characteristics (Renegade II)
Data derived from manufacturer specifications and aviation directories.
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 |
| Capacity | 1 Passenger |
| Length | 18 ft 5 in (5.61 m) |
| Upper Wingspan | 21 ft 0 in (6.40 m) |
| Lower Wingspan | 19 ft 8 in (5.99 m) |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Wing Area | 153 sq ft (14.2 m2) (168 sq ft with optional rounded wing tips) |
| Airfoil | NACA 23012 |
| Empty Weight | 375 lb (170 kg) |
| Gross Weight | 850 lb (386 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 14 US gallons (53 L) |
| Powerplant | 1 ร Rotax 503 two-cylinder, two-stroke aircraft engine, 50 hp (37 kW) |
| Propellers | 2-bladed ground adjustable |
Performance (Renegade II)
Performance metrics based on standard configurations.
| Attribute | Metric |
|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | 85 mph (137 km/h, 74 kn) |
| Cruise Speed | 75 mph (121 km/h, 65 kn) |
| Stall Speed | 36 mph (58 km/h, 31 kn) |
| Never Exceed Speed | 120 mph (190 km/h, 100 kn) |
| Range | 282 mi (454 km, 245 nmi) |
| g Limits | +10/-6 (ultimate) |
| Rate of Climb | 700 ft/min (3.6 m/s) |
History & Operations
Regulatory Eligibility
In Canada, all Renegade variants are eligible for registration as amateur-builts, basic ultralights, or advanced ultralights. In the United States, the Renegade is not listed on the Special Light-Sport Aircraft (SLSA) list but is eligible for the Experimental - Amateur-built category.[8][9][10]
Versatility on Water
The Renegade's design accommodates various operational needs. Notably, Renegade aircraft have been successfully equipped with floats, enabling operations from water surfaces. This adaptability enhances its appeal to pilots seeking diverse flying experiences.[19]
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References
References
- Vandermeullen, Richard: 2012 Kit Aircraft Buyer's Guide, Kitplanes, Volume 28, Number 12, December 2011, page 62. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
- Downey, Julia: 2008 Kit Aircraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 24, Number 12, December 2007, page 63. Primedia Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
- Kitplanes Staff: 1999 Kit Aircraft Directory, Kitplanes, Volume 15, Number 12, December 1998, page 57. Primedia Publications. IPM 0462012
- Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 66. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
- Murphy Aircraft: Meet Our Staff: President Darryl Murphy, Towards the Flightline, Winter 1993-84 page 3. Murphy Aircraft.
- Murphy Aviation: Catching the "Spirit" in a Murphy Rengade - Info Package. Murphy Aviation, 1990
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Disclaimer
Important Notice for Aviation Enthusiasts
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data, primarily from Wikipedia, and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or current. The information presented here is not a substitute for official aircraft manuals, manufacturer specifications, or the guidance of certified aviation professionals.
This is not professional aviation advice. Building and flying aircraft, especially kit-built aircraft like the Murphy Renegade, involves inherent risks. Always consult official documentation, adhere to all aviation regulations, and seek advice from qualified aircraft builders, mechanics, and flight instructors before undertaking any construction or flight operations. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of information found on this website.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein. Flight safety is paramount; always prioritize official sources and expert guidance.