The CubCrafters CC11-160 Carbon Cub SS is an
ASTM certified
light-sport aircraft based on the
Piper J-3 Cub manufactured by
Cub Crafters. It is modernized, with light-weight carbon fiber components and a 180 hp (130 kW) engine.[1]
In January 2016 the Carbon Cub was named AVweb's "Airplane of the Year" for 2015.[2]
Development
The Carbon Cub SS was originally named the "CubCrafters Super Sport Cub".[3] In order to maintain certification under American Light Sport Aircraft limitations the maximum takeoff power is limited to five minutes.
Design
The Carbon Cub SS uses a carbon fiber spinner and air-induction scoop. The Carbon Cub weighs 300 pounds (140 kg) less than a
Piper PA-18 Super Cub.[4] The carbon cowling weighs six pounds (2.7 kg).[5] The fuselage is welded
SAE 4130 chrome-molybdenum steel tubing with fabric covering. The wings are fitted with
vortex generators for low-speed flight control. Some models use a partial color on silver base coat paint job that weighs 11 pounds (5.0 kg) less than an all-color paint job.
The CC340 engine, based on the
Lycoming O-320, is developed with Engine Components International, Inc. (ECi),[6] using dual electronic ignition and ECi O-320 cylinders.[5]
Fuel capacity: 24 US gallons (91 L) usable in 25 US gal (95 L) tank
Powerplant: 1 ×
CC340 horizontally-opposed piston engine, 180 hp (130 kW) for maximum of 5 minutes, 80 hp continuous. The short term increased output is suitable for short field takeoff and initial higher rate of climb. In level flight, 80 hp produces 76.3% of the speed produced by 180 hp, the cube root of 80/180.
Propellers: 2-bladed CATTO composite propeller
Performance
Maximum speed: 88 kn (101 mph, 163 km/h) Vno, the boundary between green and yellow on the airspeed indicator.
Stall speed: 27 kn (31 mph, 50 km/h) out of ground effects, without assistance of engine power, with full flaps; 35 kn (65 km/h) without use of flaps.
Never exceed speed: 123 kn (141 mph, 227 km/h) Vne, boundary between yellow and red on the airspeed indicator, achievable in powered flight pitched for dive with 1G wing loading in smooth air.
Range: 390 nmi (450 mi, 720 km) maximum, using 24.0 gal of fuel, with 1.0 gal unusable remaining in tank, with no reserve fuel.
Ferry range: 650 nmi (750 mi, 1,210 km) with increased fuel capacity of optional extended range fuel tank.
Service ceiling: 17,999 ft (5,486 m)
Rate of climb: 2,100 ft/min (11 m/s) using 180 hp, no flaps, below gross weight.