The Carbon Cub SS is a lightweight, composite, multi-purpose aircraft developed by the American aircraft manufacturing company CubCrafters, Inc., based in Yakima, Washington. First introduced in 2007, the CC11-160 Carbon Cub SS is a modern, high-performance machine. It borrows its fundamental design from the Piper Super Cub, re-engineered with 21st-century materials like carbon fiber and advanced computer-aided design systems.
Enhanced Performance with X-Drive
To enhance the flight characteristics of the Carbon Cub SS, CubCrafters announced the installation of a new X-Drive starter from Hartzell Engine. This new starter weighs 1.7 pounds less than its predecessor, aligning with the manufacturer’s goal of improved performance. Tests show the “lightened” 180-hp Carbon Cub SS achieves a power-to-weight ratio of 1 hp per 7.33 pounds.
This improvement results in an increased rate of climb at sea level to 2100 ft/min (10.5 m/s), reduced takeoff and landing distances, and enhanced low-speed handling. The X-Drive also ensures reliable engine starts with a lower battery charge due to reduced current draw. This allowed CubCrafters to install lighter batteries, further decreasing the aircraft’s overall mass.
Innovative Engineering and Market Success
The innovative engineering in the Carbon Cub SS led to a 250-pound weight reduction and a 50% decrease in parts compared to a similarly equipped Super Cub. Installing the lightweight 180-hp Titan CC340 engine resulted in a power-to-weight ratio almost double that of aircraft like the Cessna 172R. The Carbon Cub SS boasts one of the lowest landing speeds.
According to CubCrafters, no other two-seat LSA today can take off and land on strips as short as the Carbon Cub SS. Serial production began in 2012, and the aircraft has gained significant popularity, with just over 100 units delivered to date. A sports variant, the CubCrafters CC11-100 Sport Cub S2, equipped with a Lycoming O-200 engine, is also produced.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Carbon Cub SS |
| Wingspan, m | 10.44 |
| Aircraft length, m | 6.93 |
| Aircraft height, m | 2.82 |
| Wing area, m2 | 15.97 |
| Empty weight | 399 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 599 |
| Fuel, l | 95 (167) |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Titan CC340 |
| Power, hp | 1 x 180 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 227 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 156 |
| Practical range, km | 720 |
| Rate of climb, m/min | 660 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 5486 |
| Crew, crew members | 1 |
| Payload | 1 passenger |
Image gallery of the Carbon Cub SS
