YAKIMA, WA – March 26, 2025 – CubCrafters, the world leader in innovative backcountry aircraft design, is proud to announce that its Carbon Cub UL has officially entered production. The Carbon Cub UL, offered both as a factory built Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) and as a factory builder assist Experimental Amateur Built (EAB) aircraft, combines advanced carbon-fiber construction, cutting-edge technology, and remarkable performance capabilities. Set to once again redefine the standards of recreational aviation, this newest iteration of the Carbon Cub provides both new and seasoned aviators with an unmatched backcountry flying experience.
The Carbon Cub UL is designed to deliver the ultimate in versatility, durability, and ease of use. Whether flying over remote landscapes, performing in short takeoff and landing (STOL) competitions, or navigating busy airfields, the Carbon Cub UL offers a superior balance of power, advanced technology, and fuel efficiency, all of which is ideal for a wider range of backcountry missions than ever before.
Unmatched Performance and Innovation
The Carbon Cub UL sets a new benchmark in personal adventure aviation. The Carbon Cub’s proven lightweight, high-strength chromoly steel airframe ensures both durability and performance. Powered by the new Rotax 916 iS engine, a technologically advanced turbocharged multifuel engine, the Carbon Cub UL can run on either traditional avgas or newer unleaded fuels, and is engineered for maximum performance at any density altitude. The combination of the aircraft’s aerodynamic design, incredible power, and its lightweight structure allows for exceptional short field ability, superior climb rates, along with unprecedented fuel efficiency and range.
The Carbon Cub UL is unmatched in its ability to operate in challenging backcountry and short-field scenarios, making it the ideal choice for pilots seeking to explore hard-to-reach destinations. Optional tundra tires, floats, or skis allow the Carbon Cub UL to land on primitive (or nonexistent) airports, snow, and even water, making it the perfect aircraft for adventure and exploration.
Aviation for All Pilots
CubCrafters has invested heavily in the newest prepreg composite, titanium, and other material advancements for the Carbon Cub UL, which has resulted in an astonishingly low basic empty weight of only 807 lbs, such that the aircraft has both a large useful load and can support a wide range of configurations and options.
In current LSA category the aircraft can carry two adults and full fuel, while in the EAB category it has a useful load that is larger than the empty weight of the aircraft. The UL has been designed to take advantage the FAA’s new Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rules, and can be easily upgraded to take advantage of the increased performance that the new rules are expected to allow for LSA aircraft when implemented.
The aircraft’s simplicity and user-friendly design make it a great choice for both beginner and experienced pilots. Featuring single lever throttle and propeller operation, intuitive flight controls and easy-to-operate avionics, the Carbon Cub UL allows pilots to quickly gain confidence, whether they are just starting their aviation journey or adding a versatile new aircraft to their fleet.
“The Carbon Cub UL is the culmination of years of research, engineering, and pilot feedback,” said 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. 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.”
Manufacturing and Availability
CubCrafters is committed to high-quality craftsmanship and precision manufacturing, ensuring that each Carbon Cub UL meets the highest standards of safety and performance. The company’s state-of-the-art production facilities, based in Yakima, Washington, are equipped with the latest technologies to streamline the assembly process while maintaining rigorous quality control.
The first production Carbon Cub ULs will be delivered to customers in Q2 of 2025, and the company is accepting deposits into 2026. CubCrafters authorized dealers provide personalized customer service and support for all owners. Customers can choose a range of customization options, including fabric and paint schemes, one or two seat interior configurations, and avionics packages designed to tailor the aircraft to their unique flying needs.
Looking Toward the Future
The Carbon Cub UL is very quickly becoming a favorite among backcountry aviation enthusiasts and recreational pilots around the world. As the aircraft enters full scale production, CubCrafters remains dedicated to delivering exceptional aircraft to pilots everywhere.
“The Carbon Cub UL is an aircraft that has truly exceeded all of our expectations” adds Brad Damm, CubCrafters’ Vice President. “Our team engineers and designers amazingly came in almost 50 lbs. below our target weight, while at the same time the collaboration with Rotax on developing the turbocharged 916 iS for backcountry applications has been game changing for the entire industry. When a Carbon Cub UL arrives at your home airport take a close look, talk to the owner, get a ride if you can. You won’t be disappointed!”
ABOUT CUBCRAFTERS
Founded in 1980 by Jim Richmond, CubCrafters’ roots are in the 80+ year history of classic grassroots aviation, but the company’s products and services are innovative and completely modern. CubCrafters designs and manufactures Experimental, LSA, and Certified aircraft. The Carbon Cub family of aircraft has redefined expectations for the backcountry flying experience with innovative design, modern materials, powerful engines, and breathtaking performance. The company’s flagship XCub aircraft substantially expands the mission profile of backcountry aircraft with better speed, range, and payload than other aircraft in its class. The newest UL class of aircraft brings the most modern engine and airframe technology to the backcountry, reducing its environmental footprint without compromising performance. The key to our success is our ability to create unique value in the experience of personal adventure aviation!
