6 July 2026
Question: What makes a cool aeroplane even cooler? Answer: A turbine.
So it’s no surprise that the team at CubCrafters have added one to the Carbon Cub model line-up.
The result is the Carbon Cub ULT, which uses the 141hp FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) TP-R90 regenerative turboprop from French manufacturer TurboTech. So as well as turbine smoothness and reliability, that regenerative technology brings fuel economy comparable to the Rotax 916iS powered Carbon Cub UL. Oh, and let’s not forget the 3,000 hour TBO promised by TurboTech.
TurboTech TP-R90 turbine installation in the Carbon Cub ULT.
Plus, the TP-R90’s FADEC system means starting the Carbon Cub ULT is as simple as turning on the master switch and pushing the start button. The FADEC system automatically manages fuel flow, ignition, engine temperatures, and propeller operation throughout the start sequence and flight envelope, eliminating many of the procedures traditionally associated with both piston and turbine aircraft.
CubCrafters claim it’s the the first U.S.-manufactured turboprop aircraft eligible to be flown by Sport Pilots under the FAA’s new MOSAIC regulations, and that means no type rating or special endorsement is required.
“The Carbon Cub ULT represents some of the most advanced engineering work ever undertaken at CubCrafters,” said Patrick Horgan, President and CEO of CubCrafters. “Bringing together regenerative turbine technology, full FADEC controls, lightweight composite construction, and our proven STOL capability into a practical backcountry aircraft demanded an incredible amount of focused innovation and refinement from our team. The result is an aircraft that combines the excitement and refinement of turbine power with the simplicity and accessibility that have always defined the Carbon Cub.”
Talking about its work with CubCrafters as its launch partner in the United States, Damien Fauvet, CEO of TurboTech said, “CubCrafters has an exceptional reputation for innovation and engineering excellence in backcountry aviation, and the Carbon Cub ULT is an ideal platform to demonstrate the capabilities of the TP-R90 engine. Together, we believe we are introducing a new generation of efficient, practical, turbine-powered recreational aircraft.”
Carbon Cub ULT in flight
CubCrafter’s flight testing of the Carbon Cub ULT is ongoing and continues to validate performance and refine the aircraft ahead of its public debut at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI in late July 2026. The company is accepting customer deposits for ULT production positions, with initial customer deliveries expected in 2027, as it prepares for the MOSAIC era and the next generation of high-performance recreational aviation.
And the price for this fusion of cool Cub and even cooler turbine? That would be $690,000…
Ok, want to hear what it sounds like?
We’re not saying the Carbon Cub UL (rear) isn’t cool any more, but it’s just not the sub-zero cool of the ULT turbine version… Sorry.
