XCub CubCrafters
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Sales Regions Vary, Distributors found via Cubcrafters Map: cubcrafters.com
CubCrafters released this follow-on to their previous Carbon Cub EX, revising the super lightweight plane with further weight reduction, pushrod controls, improved fit and finish, aerodynamic tailoring, and more. The result? The finest evolution of Piper's original 1949 super cub, which, technically speaking is itself an evolution of
the 1930's J-3 Cub, one of the founding fathers of aviation itself. The performance, however, far and away outclasses its ancestors. The tailwheel XCub is offered in a traditional tricycle gear configuration, billed as the NXcub. Overall, performance is fairly similar between the two, differing mainly in ease of handling and ramp appeal.
The tailwheel-equipped XCub can be equipped with a base level 180 hp Lycoming O-360-C1G, or opt for CubCrafter's special 215-hp CC393i engine. That secret-sauce powerplant is the result of CubCrafter’s work with Lycoming to create a bespoke, fuel injected engine with dual electric ignition. Best of all, the 35-hp bump over the O-360 only adds 10 lbs to the aircraft's overall empty weight. The nosewheel-equipped NXcub is only provided
engine is 170 ft, which is brought down to 150 ft with the CC393i installed. Undoubtedly, some hot shots can outdo the plane's short landing performance, as the die-hard CubCrafters owner circle often proves in STOL competitions around the country.
with CC393i, but the performance boost is well worth the money. When combined with the Hartzell Trailblazer 3-bladed constant speed prop, the result is a hardy, high-output, backcountry performer good for a 130 knot (150 mph) cruise at 75% power. The Xcub can fly for 800 miles, with an estimated endurance of up to 7.5 hours, which is a pretty long time in a plane intended to fly low and slow.In true backcountry fashion, the Xcub stalls at 33 knots (39 mph), an important consideration for those pilots landing on dirt strips in the middle of nowhere. Takeoff distance for the base 180 hp
That capability, however, is only part of what proves the XCub as the reigning king in its refinement of the fundamental bush plane concept. Its lightweight carbon build saves enough weight to carry 1,084 lbs of useful load to a top speed of 139 kts (160 mph). Users have an unprecedented CG range compared to vintage cubs, even at its max gross weight of 2,300 lbs. The Xcub can carry 230 pounds in its front seat, meaning those primo avionics up front won’t be wasted by forcing you to fly solo from the rear. The rear seat and the forward storage compartment both carry 125 lbs, with another 20 lbs in the tail cargo section. All-up, Cubcrafters says the Xcub can fly on full fuel, including a passenger and full camping kit.
Even better, the XCub is designed so fuel burn moves the CG forward during flight.
The Xcub and NXCub can be had in kit for, for completion as an experimental, or as a factory-made, fully Part-23-compliant aircraft.
Those looking to get max performance out of their XCub, like any connoisseur, will usually opt for homemade - the freedom to build it to the mission grants much greater latitude in creating a sweet little hot rod of a Cub.