5/5/2007 Anchorage, AK - Pushing the "Cub" design well beyond its conventional limitations in weight and performance, the 220-hp ‘CARBON CUB’ made its public debut today to an enthusiastic audience at the 2007 ALASKA STATE AVIATION TRADE SHOW AND CONFERENCE.

With a fire-breathing custom paint scheme to match the ‘hot-rod’ under the skin, ‘CARBON CUB’ is CubCrafters’ proof-of-concept platform for a host of new airframe construction materials, performance options, design improvements, and much more powerful engine options, all in an airplane that is lighter and far more advanced than any "Cub" of this horsepower range. The airplane is basically a lighter yet substantially "beefed up" SPORT CUB with a monster engine and a hi-lift wing. We made nearly 40 airframe parts out of high strength carbon fiber that were previously metal or fiberglass. We estimate that it saved over 30 Lbs vs. a stock SPORT CUB. "We are 250 to 300 pounds lighter than any Super Cub with the same equipment" said Richmond, "and I can tell you that flying it, the performance difference is startling."

CubCrafters president Jim Richmond expanded on the motivation behind the new airplane. "It may sound like a stretch, but there is something in CARBON CUB for just about everyone." Though this airplane would not meet LSA certification requirements as it is today, it’s not far from it!

The CARBON CUB project points toward several new aircraft possibilities for CubCrafters including a Light Sport Aircraft certified as a factory built airplane, a Home-built kit plane and/or a new FAA-Certified airplane. The business case for all three of these options is certain from one standpoint, as the flight characteristics are very well known, and CubCrafters has been down this road recently with both the CC18 ‘TOP CUB’ and CC11 ‘SPORT CUB’ certification and production programs.

In just the next few weeks, more information will become available regarding options, pricing and the direction we take as far as "certification".