Carbon Cub ULT gains regenerative turbine power

The TurboTech TP-R90 regenerative turbine engine has been fitted to CubCrafters' backcountry airframe, producing the first Sport Pilot‑eligible turboprop.

CubCrafters has developed the Carbon Cub ULT, a turboprop derivative of its Carbon Cub UL backcountry aircraft, powered by TurboTech's TP-R90 regenerative turbine engine. The ULT designation reflects both the added turbine power and what the company regards as the fullest evolution of the Carbon Cub platform to date.

The TP-R90 is a FADEC-controlled turboprop engine offering fuel economy comparable to the petrol-powered Carbon Cub UL, alongside turbine smoothness and simplified maintenance. Its fully integrated Full Authority Digital Engine Control system automates fuel flow, ignition, engine temperature and propeller management throughout start-up and flight, removing manual procedures associated with conventional piston and turbine aircraft. Starting the aircraft requires only the master switch and start button. The airframe carries CubCrafters' latest aerodynamic and composite construction updates, alongside the short-field performance associated with the Carbon Cub line. The Carbon Cub ULT is the first US-manufactured turboprop eligible to be flown by Sport Pilots under the FAA's MOSAIC regulations.

Patrick Horgan, President and CEO of CubCrafters, says: “Bringing together regenerative turbine technology, full FADEC controls, lightweight composite construction and our proven STOL capability into a practical backcountry aircraft demanded an incredible amount of focused innovation and refinement from our team.”

Brad Damm, Vice President of CubCrafters, adds: “The first thing pilots notice is how effortless the aeroplane feels. You push and hold the start button for a few seconds and the aircraft is ready to go fly.”

The Carbon Cub ULT has been undergoing flight testing at CubCrafters' Yakima, Washington headquarters, with the programme validating performance ahead of a public debut at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this summer. CubCrafters is accepting customer deposits for production positions, with initial deliveries expected in 2027.