CubCrafters CC11-160 Carbon Cub SS

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]

CC11-160 Carbon Cub SS
Carbon Cub SS
Role	Light-sport aircraft
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Cub Crafters
Introduction	2007 Alaska State Aviation Trade Show and Conference
Developed from	CubCrafters CC11-100 Sport Cub S2, Piper J-3 Cub.
Variants	CubCrafters Carbon Cub UL

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]

Variants

CubCrafters CC11-100 Sport Cub S2

An O-200 powered LSA variant^[1]

CubCrafters Carbon Cub EX

An experimental kit variant of the Carbon Cub SS with a gross weight of 1,865 lb (846 kg).^[7]

Specifications (Carbon Cub SS)

Carbon Cub SS cockpit

Data from Flying

General characteristics

• Capacity: 2
• Length: 22.75 ft (6.93 m)
• Wingspan: 34.25 ft (10.44 m)
• Height: 9.25 ft (2.82 m)
• Wing area: 171.9 sq ft (15.97 m²)
• Aspect ratio: 5.2-1
• Airfoil: USA35(B)
• Empty weight: 896 lb (399 kg)
• Gross weight: 1,320 lb (599 kg)
• 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.
• Wing loading: 7.37 lb/sq ft (36.0 kg/m²)
• Thrust/weight: 7.33 per hp