CubCrafters Applies Musclecar Formula To Sport Cub

Adapting a formula borne out of the musclecar era -- or the Reno Air Races -- CubCrafters has taken the lightest airframe it could create... stuffed a big motor in the front... and added a high-lift wing, to create the 220-hp "Carbon Cub." The uber-Cub makes its public debut Friday at the 2007 Alaska State Aviation Trade Show and Conference.

Sporting a special paint scheme that gives a hint of the 'hot-rod' under the skin, the Carbon Cub is CubCrafters’ proof-of-concept platform for a host of new airframe construction materials, performance options, design improvements, and much more powerful engine options... all in an airplane that is lighter and far more advanced than any Cub of this horsepower range.

"It may sound like a stretch, but there is something in Carbon Cub for just about everyone," said CubCrafters president Jim Richmond. "Though this airplane would not meet LSA certification requirements as it is today, it's not far from it! The airplane is basically a lighter yet substantially "beefed up" Sport Cub with a monster engine and a hi-lift wing."

Richmond states his company made nearly 40 airframe parts out of high strength carbon fiber that were previously metal or fiberglass -- which saves over 30 lbs compared with a stock Sport Cub LSA.

"We are 250 to 300 pounds lighter than any Super Cub with the same equipment," said Richmond, "and I can tell you that flying it, the performance difference is startling."

The Carbon Cub project points toward several new aircraft possibilities for CubCrafters... including a Light Sport Aircraft certified as a factory built airplane, a homebuilt kit plane, and/or a new FAA-certified airplane.

CubCrafters says at this point, all options are on the table for the Carbon Cub.

FMI: www.cubcrafters.com