CubCrafters celebrates its 25th
anniversary with the introduction of the 2005 TOP CUB Ranger,
now on it's way to the Alaska State Aviation Conference and Trade
Show this weekend. On December 16, 2004, CubCrafters received its
type certificate for CC18-180 TOP CUB.
“Picking up where Super Cub left off, we have brought 25
years of experience to bear on a new, certified, ready-to-fly
airplane that offers a level of performance and safety previously
unavailable”, says Jim Richmond, CubCrafters founder and CEO.
“We are particularly pleased with the results of all the
design, engineering and testing that went into certifying the
plane, and we are anxious to show our customers the capabilities of
the airplane that are the result of this work.”
The 2005 TOP CUB is certified to FAR part 23, amendment 55.
TOP CUB standard features include an empty weight of 1,200 pounds,
a useful load of 1,100 pounds and 205 lbs of cargo capacity behind
the seats, in the extended baggage compartment, and in the upper
baggage compartment. Unique to TOP CUB are 11 tie-down points in
the cargo area, each point static tested to no less than 930 lbs.
TOP CUB also features 26G pilot and co-pilot restraint systems,
adjustable front and rear seats with under seat storage below the
rear seat, concealed but easily accessible battery, 54 gallon fuel
system and Vortex Generators as standard equipment.
Structural improvements over earlier aircraft, in its class,
include redesigned landing gear, reinforced fuselage and wing, and
new wing struts. With the simplicity of a fixed pitch prop mated to
an 180hp Lycoming 0-360 Engine, TOP CUB is an
exceptional two-place utility and personal aircraft.
“Not only have we retained the flying qualities of the
classic Super Cub, but we have ‘beefed up’ the
structure of the airframe from any previous aircraft to safely and
legally enable Alaskan pilots the ability to haul huge loads. The
result is the ultimate, most capable airplane for any personal or
backcountry adventure,” claims Richmond. “A typical
flight profile of two 180 lb pilots, full fuel and 205 lbs of
baggage still leaves 2005 TOP CUB nearly 200 lbs under its
certified gross weight. This is as much load-carrying capability as
many six-place aircraft.”
Initially, TOP CUB will be offered in three editions: Ranger,
Legend, and Amphib, with each edition having unique interiors,
paint schemes and option packages. TOP CUB “Ranger”
N43CR is in the newest blue, gold and white paint scheme and will
be located in the static display area of the Trade Show.
CubCrafters, founded in 1980 by current owner and CEO Jim
Richmond, is located in Yakima, Washington. CubCrafters’
roots are in the 50-year history of classic taildragger and
backcountry aviation, but its certified aircraft, computer-aided
design program and lean manufacturing facility
allow CubCrafters to offer two new, certified, ready-to-fly
aircraft: TOP CUB, a two-place personal and utility aircraft;
and SPORT CUB, a light sport aircraft for recreational
pilots. CubCrafters is also a recognized authority for
re-building and modifying Super Cubs and similar aircraft, and it
maintains a comprehensive parts inventory for the existing
fleet.
Bolen Gives Congress a Rare Thumbs-Up
See All