First Deliveries Slated for Q2 of 2025 as a Factory-Built or Experimental Aircraft
CubCrafters’ long-awaited Carbon Cub UL has finally moved into production, with deliveries expected to begin in Q2 of this year. It is available as either a factory-built light sport aircraft (LSA) or a factory-assisted experimental amateur-built (EAB) plane.
"The Carbon Cub UL is the culmination of years of research, engineering, and pilot feedback," expressed 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."
The aircraft is entering production at an impressively light weight of 807 pounds, cut down 85 pounds from the manufacturer’s original 2009 Carbon Cub. It retains the same - or better - structural strength using prepreg composite, titanium, and other lightweight yet durable materials on a chromoly steel airframe. This allows the Carbon Cub UL to comfortably support two people, a couple of bags, and a full 24-gallon tank of gas without breaking the FAA’s current LSA limitations.
Under the hood is Rotax’s latest machine: the 160 horsepower 916 iS turbocharged engine. It can run on traditional avgas or modern unleaded alternatives with a modest fuel consumption, letting the Carbon Cub UL fly for around 416 miles and 3.2 hours between stops.
As with all CubCrafters creations, the Carbon Cub UL is designed for the backcountry. It can get off the ground in a jaw-dropping 50 feet and land in 90 feet, making it ideally suited for short takeoff and landing (STOL) scenarios and tight approaches. The bird is also set up for all levels of experience with single-lever throttle and propeller operation, intuitive controls, and user-friendly avionics.
“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,” Horgan continued.
The first set of ULs is slated to roll off the line and be delivered to customers in the next few months, and deposits are being accepted into 2026.
