Boost in STOL Performance Comes Courtesy of Small, Instant Propulsion

Cubcrafters showed off a new engineering trick with a bank of leading edge, electric motors and slats for increased short takeoff performance, saying that the system boosts lift by 1.5 to 4 times over a stock Cub.

The Electric Lift Augmenting Slats (ELAS) system won't necessarily join the CubCrafters option catalog overnight, though, being more of a prototype to prove the concept out. While it can be retrofitted to existing Cubs, CubCrafters is conspicuously mum about promising a production run just yet. The ELAS system has been a joint effort with the company's research institution partner, Oklahoma State University. 

The idea bears out a pretty reliable, consistent increase in the speed of airflow over the upper surface of the wing, lowering air pressure and increasing lift anywhere from 1.5 to 4 times over a stock wing. That directly translates to "better aerodynamic performance at slower speeds and higher angles of attack" - the perfect ingredients to improve slow speed handling characteristics. An ELAS-equipped bird will boast shorter takeoff distances, steeper approaches, slower landing speeds, and shorter ground roll. The system can be retrofitted to existing wings or installed from the factory. The integrated, electric ducted fans are retractable when not in use. 

“With comparatively low acquisition and operational costs, ELAS is a disruptive concept that carries unprecedented benefits, including enabling fixed-wing aircraft to operate outside of designated airports and manage much higher payloads versus comparable eVTOL aircraft -- all while enhancing safety,” said Patrick Horgan, CEO of CubCrafters.

“Extensive computer simulations and wind tunnel testing, both at Oklahoma State University and our own facilities, are being used to refine the design in preparation for a comprehensive test flight program using a CubCrafters X-Cub test airplane configured with the ELAS prototype system,” added Horgan.

“As our research and development continues, ELAS may prove to have the ability to dramatically enhance the short-field performance capabilities of fixed-wing aircraft in general Aviation as well as Commercial Aviation.” 

FMI: www.cubcrafters.com