With an eye on the international markets, CubCrafters this week unveiled the latest iteration of its Carbon Cub family of aircraft, the Carbon Cub UL, which will launch the BRP-Rotax 160-hp turbocharged 916 iS engine.
An update from the Carbon Cub SS, the UL variant will incorporate lighter-weight materials, features multi-fuel technology (mogas and avgas), will meet ASTM standards, and be able to carry two adults with a full fuel load and baggage at a max takeoff weight of 1,320 pounds.
The BRP-Rotax 916 iS engine is lighter, more efficient, and more powerful in higher-density altitudes than the normally aspirated CC340 engine found on the Carbon Cub SS, the company added.
“The Carbon Cub was first introduced in 2009 and has been an amazing aircraft for both CubCrafters and the entire backcountry community,” said CubCrafters president and CEO Patrick Horgan. “It has redefined expectations industry-wide for what a light STOL [short takeoff and landing] aircraft should be. Now, we’re reimagining the Carbon Cub by incorporating the latest in pre-preg composites, more titanium components, and innovative manufacturing techniques, along with the best new engine and avionics technologies for even more performance and versatility.”
Horgan added the UL is the culmination of years of investment and said, “We believe this aircraft will make a major contribution to unlocking the enormous potential of the international marketplace.”
Plans call for a production version to be built, certified, and flight-tested as a light sport aircraft at the CubCrafters factory in Yakima, Washington, but the company said the UL will also meet ultralight category requirements in international jurisdictions.
“The aircraft can remain in the LSA category for our customers in Australia, New Zealand, Israel, and even the U.S., but it can also be deregistered, exported, and then reregistered as an ultralight category aircraft in many jurisdictions in Europe, South America, and elsewhere,” said Brad Damm, v-p of sales and marketing for CubCrafters.
He noted how the company’s kit aircraft program has been strong in international markets and the UL brings factory-assembled aircraft to those customers.
CubCrafters has begun accepting deposits for the variant with initial deliveries anticipated in early 2025.