New CubCrafters model combines a regenerative turbine, electronic controls, and STOL capability; first deliveries are scheduled for 2027
CubCrafters has unveiled the Carbon Cub ULT, the latest evolution of its family of light aircraft designed for operations on short runways and in remote areas. Inspired by the traditional Piper PA-18 Super Cub lineage, the model replaces the familiar piston engine with a turboprop developed by French company TurboTech.
The aircraft uses the regenerative TP-R90 engine, also listed as the R150 in CubCrafters’ technical specifications. The powerplant features a dual FADEC system responsible for electronically controlling fuel flow, ignition, internal temperatures, and propeller operation.
In practice, the pilot does not need to manually adjust the fuel mixture or propeller pitch during flight. The engine is started with the push of a button, while power is managed through a single lever, a solution that reduces workload and makes operation more similar to that found in modern aircraft equipped with electronically controlled automotive or aviation engines.
Turbine reuses heat from the exhaust
The main difference in TurboTech’s engine lies in its regenerative system. A heat exchanger uses part of the thermal energy from the exhaust gases to warm the air before it enters the combustion chamber. As a result, the engine requires less fuel to reach the temperature needed for operation.
During evaluations carried out with the prototype, fuel consumption was close to 26.5 liters per hour at 75% power and reached approximately 37.8 liters per hour at maximum power. According to the manufacturer, its efficiency is comparable to that of similar aircraft equipped with piston engines, despite the use of a turbine.
The Carbon Cub ULT will be able to use fuels such as Jet A and aviation diesel, expanding refueling options in regions where aviation gasoline is expensive or difficult to find. The planned interval between major engine overhauls is 3,000 hours.
Performance for unprepared runways
Even with the new powerplant, the ULT retains its STOL concept, an acronym used for aircraft capable of taking off and landing over short distances. Under ideal conditions, CubCrafters estimates a takeoff roll of approximately 15 meters and a landing distance of around 27 meters.
The preliminary specifications also list a cruise speed of more than 209 km/h, an estimated range of 1,098 kilometers, and an endurance of up to 5.2 hours. Maximum takeoff weight is 846 kilograms, while estimated useful load reaches 447 kilograms. These figures may still change during the testing program.
The cabin has two seats in a tandem configuration, with one occupant seated behind the other, as well as Garmin instruments and dedicated displays for monitoring the turboprop engine.
New rules for sport pilots
CubCrafters says the ULT will be the first turboprop aircraft produced in the United States approved for operation by Sport Pilot-category pilots under the new MOSAIC rules introduced by the US Federal Aviation Administration.
Initially, the aircraft will be delivered in the experimental amateur-built category. The company later plans to obtain the necessary approval to offer fully assembled aircraft under the regulations applicable to light sport aircraft.
The public debut of the Carbon Cub ULT is scheduled for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, an event held from July 20 to 26 in the US state of Wisconsin. The first customer deliveries are expected in the second half of 2027.
The announced base price is US$690,000, making the ULT the most expensive aircraft ever offered by CubCrafters. The manufacturer has already begun accepting deposits to reserve positions in the production queue.
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Source and images: CubCrafters Aircraft. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
