1 April 2025
The microlight version of Cubcrafters’ 160hp Carbon Cub, the UL, has gone into production and first customer deliveries will be in the next few months.
The Carbon Cub UL will offered in the US as a factory built Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) and as a factory builder assist Experimental Amateur Built (EAB) aircraft.
Using carbon-fibre construction, Cubcrafters has pared the empty weight of the Carbon Cub UL down to 390kg/ 860 lb (depending on equipment fitted) which gives it a maximum useful load of 208kg/460 lb. Max gross weight is 600kg (1320 lb).
It’s powered by the in-demand 160hp Rotax 916iS, which has four cylinders, electronic fuel injection and a TBO of 2,000 hours.
Performance is stunning, with a max cruise speed of 113kt and a stall speed of 28kt. Takeoff roll is said to be 15 metres/ 50ft and landing roll 27m/ 90ft.
Cubcrafters says the UL has been designed to take advantage of the new Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rules expected to be introduced in the US this year. It would also be eligible for Europe’s (and the UK’s) 600kg Light Sport Microlight category.
“The Carbon Cub UL is the culmination of years of research, engineering, and pilot feedback,” said Patrick Horgan, President and CEO of CubCrafters.
“We are thrilled to introduce this incredible aircraft to the aviation community, as it combines the best elements of traditional tailwheel flying with modern materials and technology.
“Our goal was to create yet another best of class backcountry aircraft that is both extremely fun to fly and incorporates the latest in advanced technologies, and we believe we’ve achieved that with the Carbon Cub UL.”
Customers can choose a range of customisation options, including fabric and paint schemes, one or two seat interior configurations, and avionics packages designed to tailor the aircraft to their flying needs.
Cubcrafters is so pleased with the Carbon Cub UL’s weight they released a pic of the scales readout
Brad Damm, CubCrafters’ Vice President, added, “The Carbon Cub UL is an aircraft that has truly exceeded all of our expectations.
“Our team of engineers and designers amazingly came in almost 50 lb below our target weight, while at the same time the collaboration with Rotax on developing the turbocharged 916 iS for backcountry applications has been game changing for the entire industry.
“When a Carbon Cub UL arrives at your home airport take a close look, talk to the owner, get a ride if you can. You won’t be disappointed!”
Price $293,900
Cruise Speed 130+ mph (w/ variable pitch prop)
Stall Speed 32 mph
Endurance 3.2 hr with standard fuel (normal, 80hp cruise)
Range 416 miles
Takeoff Distance 50 ft
Landing Distance 90 ft
Engine Rotax 916 iS producing 160hp
Length 23 ft 3 in
Height 8 ft 4 in
Wingspan 34 ft 3 in
Wing Area 179 sq ft
Cabin Width 30in
Cabin Height 52in
Fuel capacity 22 US gallons usable
Empty Weight 860 lbs/ 390kg depending on equipment
Gross Weight 1,320 lbs/ 600kg
Useful Load 460 lbs/208 kg depending on equipment
