Plane + Pilot Editor Flies CubCrafters' Turbine-Powered Carbon Cub ULT in Yakima, Washington
Why It MattersA turboprop designed for the MOSAIC rules would bring jet-A turbine power into the Sport Pilot light-aircraft segment, which until now has relied on piston engines.
Plane + Pilot editor-in-chief Cayla McLeod flew CubCrafters' turbine-powered Carbon Cub ULT in October in Washington state, after the manufacturer unveiled the aircraft in July. ULT stands for "Utility Turbine." The airplane was a preproduction example with just over 100 hours on it. McLeod, who has about 200 hours in piston-powered Carbon Cubs, made a familiarization flight from the back seat with CubCrafters vice president Brad Damm, taking off from Runway 27 at Yakima Air Terminal/McAllister Field (KYKM).
The ULT is powered by a Turbotech TP-R90 engine, minimally rated at 141 hp, and burns jet-A; McLeod fueled both 22-gallon wing tanks herself. Damm said turbines make more thrust than their horsepower suggests because of higher torque, and that the Turbotech has roughly 20-25 percent more torque than a comparably sized piston engine. The run-up is a five-second check at 50 percent power with all indications in the green. Rotation came at about 41 mph, and the turbine is rated for five minutes of full power. At 95 percent throttle the aircraft burned 43 liters per hour.
The cockpit uses backlit buttons instead of switches, a green start button, a dedicated engine display beside the Garmin Axis, and a Starlink button controlling a "Backcountry Wi-Fi" system housed in the left wing. Pilots choose a power setting without propeller adjustments or caution ranges to manage. Damm flew the pattern at about 75 mph on downwind, 65 mph on left base and around 58 mph on short final. McLeod noted a throttle "sweet spot" near treetop level rather than a power lag, and said the turbine may require more thinking ahead than a piston Carbon Cub.
According to CubCrafters, the ULT combines the Turbotech TP-R90 regenerative turboprop with dual FADEC, push-button starting and single-lever power management. It was developed for the new MOSAIC regulations and is described as the first U.S.-manufactured turboprop aircraft eligible to be flown by Sport Pilots under the FAA's MOSAIC rules. Estimated specifications include a 1,865-lb gross weight, 985-lb useful load, 130+ mph cruise, 32 mph stall speed, 44 gallons of fuel, 682-mile range and 5.2 hours' endurance. Customer deposits are being accepted, with initial deliveries expected in 2027.
