CubCrafters Unveils Turboprop Carbon Cub ULT for Light Sport
Photo: FlugKerl2 / CC BY-SA 3.0 — via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) · source
CubCrafters has introduced the Carbon Cub ULT, a new backcountry taildragger powered by a TurboTech TP-R90 regenerative turboprop engine. Sharing its airframe with the recent Carbon Cub UL, the new variant boasts an empty weight of 860 pounds, burns nine gallons of Jet-A per hour, and cruises at 120 mph. The company is designing the aircraft to meet ASTM light sport standards under the FAA's upcoming MOSAIC rules. For backcountry pilots, this introduces turbine reliability and global fuel availability without requiring a type rating or complex endorsements.
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The integration of turbine power into a light, fabric-covered backcountry airframe marks a fascinating pivot for general aviation manufacturing. Historically, outfitting a Cub-style aircraft with a turboprop resulted in prohibitive fuel consumption rates at lower altitudes, often exceeding 30 gallons per hour and severely limiting range. By utilizing TurboTech’s TP-R90 regenerative turboprop, CubCrafters has achieved a much more sustainable nine-gallon-per-hour burn rate, making turbine-powered off-airport operations practically viable. This development is closely intertwined with the FAA’s anticipated Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certificates (MOSAIC) framework. By capping the empty weight at 860 pounds and maintaining a 1,320-pound gross weight, CubCrafters intends for the ULT to qualify as an ASTM-certified light sport aircraft. Crucially, the powerplant choice allows pilots to operate the aircraft without needing a complex endorsement or a turbine type rating. For the aviation community, the shift toward Jet-A compatibility addresses growing concerns over the long-term availability and cost of 100LL avgas, particularly in remote or international locations where standard aviation gasoline is scarce. Furthermore, the engine’s advertised 3,000-hour time between overhauls promises significant long-term durability. While the base price of $690,000 places the ULT firmly in the premium segment of the light sport market, early market indicators suggest robust demand, with multiple deposits already secured. Looking ahead, the industry will watch closely to see how the regenerative turboprop performs during rigorous off-airport flight testing, particularly regarding foreign object debris management on unimproved grass and dirt airstrips.