28 March 2023
CubCrafters is introducing a new version of its best-selling Carbon Cub aircraft based around the new Rotax engine, the 160hp 916iS. Both the aircraft and new engine are being launched at Florida’s Sun ‘n Fun which opens today.
The new Carbon Cub, the UL, is being especially developed for international markets, said CubCrafters.
The aircraft is lighter and better performing than its predecessor, the Carbon Cub SS. It can also burn both mogas and avgas, meets ASTM standards, and carries two adult people with a full fuel load and a reasonable amount of baggage at a max take-off weight of 600kg. That’s the same limit as Light Sport Aircraft class in the US, and the Light Sport Microlight class in the UK and Europe.
Rotax is also launching its new 916iS engine at Sun ‘n Fun. Here it is installed in the Carbon Cub UL
CubCrafters has worked closely BRP-Rotax to install the new engine. The new 916iS engine is lighter, more fuel efficient, and can produce more power than the normally aspirated CC340 engine on the Carbon Cub SS in higher density altitude scenarios, added CubCrafters.
“The Carbon Cub was first introduced in 2009 and has been an amazing aircraft for both CubCrafters and the entire backcountry community,” said Patrick Horgan, CubCrafters President and CEO.
“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.
“We believe this aircraft will make a major contribution to unlocking the enormous potential of the international marketplace,” added Horgan.
CubCrafters believes the new Carbon Cub UL will be appealing in international markets. Here in the UK it will be classed as a microlight!
“The aircraft can remain in the LSA category for our customers in Australia, New Zealand, Israel, and even the United States, but it can also be deregistered, exported, and then reregistered as an Ultralight category aircraft in many jurisdictions in Europe, South America, and elsewhere,” explained Brad Damm, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for CubCrafters.
“This is a concept we’ve looked at for the last several years. Our kit aircraft program has always been strong in overseas markets, and now we are very excited to have a fully factory assembled and tested aircraft to offer to our international customers.”
A ‘technology demonstrator’ version of the aircraft was used in the Red Bull sponsored stunt in Dubai earlier this month, when it successfully landed and took off again from a 27-metre diameter heliport 56 stories above the ground on top of Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. More on that story here
CubCrafters said it will be accepting deposits for the Carbon Cub UL starting at Sun ‘n Fun, but first consumer deliveries are not expected until early 2025.
