In a utility airplane, the power-to-weight ratio reigns supreme, which is why Cub Crafters is making a big deal about its new Carbon Cub kit. Said to weigh 200 pounds less than traditional Super Cubs, the Carbon Cub is designed to accept powerplants from the 100-hp Continental O-200 to the 180-hp Lycoming IO-360.
Cub Crafters says a 160-hp version, certified in the Experimental/Amateur-Built category, can weigh as little as 925 pounds empty. An ELSA version, with the O-200, can weigh as little as 845 pounds empty, according to the company, leaving 475 pounds for people, things and fuel. Select use of composite materials and a simplified wing structure—with half as many parts as the original Piper design—contribute to the weight savings, the company says. A modern cowl design along with a streamlined fuselage also improve performance to “130 mph or more” in cruise.
The kit prices start at $19,995 for the standard fuselage kit plus $19,995 for the standard wing kit and $19,995 for the standard finishing kit. These subkits complete the airplane save for engine, avionics, paint and interior. Additional options include ready-to-cover quickbuild wing and fuselage kits (add $3000 to the wing kit and $4000 to the fuselage kit) as well as a Deluxe finishing kit (add $4000). Cub Crafters can provide the components painted for additional cost. Finally, there is an optional High Gross Kit ($4995) that takes the non-LSA version from 1430 to 1650 pounds maximum gross weight.
With all the quickbuild options, the Carbon Cub will be ready to cover in 120 hours, the company says.
