The 220-hp Carbon Cub made its debut earlier this month at the Alaska State Aviation Trade Show and Conference.
The Carbon Cub is a proof-of-concept platform from CubCrafters, boasting a host of new airframe construction materials, performance options, design improvements, and much more powerful engine options, according to officials with the Yakima, Wash.-based company, who explain that the airplane is “basically a lighter yet substantially ‘beefed up’ Sport Cub with a monster engine and a hi-lift wing.”
“We made nearly 40 airframe parts out of high strength carbon fiber that were previously metal or fiberglass,” explained Jim Richmond, president. “We estimate that it saved over 30 lbs. vs. a stock Sport Cub. We are 250 to 300 pounds lighter than any Super Cub with the same equipment — and I can tell you that flying it, the performance difference is startling.”
Richmond promises that there is “something for everyone” in the Carbon Cub. “Although this airplane would not meet LSA certification requirements as it is today, it’s not far from it,” he noted.
The Carbon Cub project points toward several possibilities for CubCrafters, including an LSA certified as a factory built airplane, a homebuilt kit plane and/or a new FAA-certified airplane, he said. “The business case for all three of these options is certain from one standpoint, as the flight characteristics are very well known, and CubCrafters has been down this road recently with both the CC18 Top Cub and CC11 Sport Cub certification and production programs,” he said.
Richmond noted that the company will make some decisions in the next few weeks. “More information will become available regarding options, pricing and the direction we take as far as certification,” he said.
CubCrafters, founded in 1980 by Richmond, is located at Yakima Air Terminal/McAllister Field Airport (YKM) in Yakima, Wash. Earlier this year, the company was issued only the second FAA Production Certificate in the state of Washington. The company expects to produce nearly 100 aircraft this year.
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