CubCrafters announces XCub, NXCub experimental build kits
Backcountry aviation manufacturer revealed another Piper Super Cub inspired amateur-build kit at AirVenture
CubCrafters’ backcountry XCub and NXCub (nosewheel version) are now available to order as experimental amateur-built kits, the company announced July 20.
The short takeoff and landing XCub is a modern take on the classic Piper Super Cub, featuring a slew of upgrades. Builders can choose between a 180-horsepower Lycoming O-360 and a 215-horsepower CC393i engine. Avionics options range from basic VFR to an IFR-capable full glass cockpit.
The XCub design dates back to 2009, and the aircraft was first certified under FAR Part 23 in 2016, with more than 250 aircraft being delivered worldwide to date. It’s unclear how the kit’s performance will differ from the production version, but the certified NXCub recorded an impressive 120-foot demonstrated takeoff distance and 80-foot landing distance.
The XCub marks the highest-performance kit to come from CubCrafters with the company’s Carbon Cub EX–2 and EX–3 build kits posting lower performance than the XCub in useful loads, gross weights, and cruise speeds.
A completed XCub kit is on display alongside the debut of the first completed kitbuilt NXCub at CubCrafters’ Booth (#273/274) at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin.
CubCrafters is based in Yakima, Washington, and was founded in 1980 as an endeavor to rebuild Super Cubs, eventually evolving into building its own aircraft. The company debuted its first aircraft—the Top Cub—in 2004.
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