The MOSAIC reform is changing the US light aircraft market
General Aviation in the US is currently undergoing one of the biggest regulatory changes in decades. With the so-called MOSAIC-Reform (Modernisation of Special Airworthiness Certification) the American aviation authority FAA is fundamentally modernising the regulations for Light Sport Aircraft (LSA).
While previously there was a rigid weight limit of 1,320 pounds or around 600 kilograms, the new regulations will in future be guided much more strongly by the actual flight characteristics of an aircraft. Safety-relevant criteria such as stall speed, flight behaviour, and operational limits will be particularly important.
This gives manufacturers significantly more freedom in the design and equipment of new aircraft.
New opportunities for manufacturers and pilots
The reform creates numerous new opportunities.
In the future, Light Sport Aircraft will be permitted, among other things:
- up to four seats,
- use more powerful engines,
- integrate modern cockpit and safety systems,
- use alternative drives such as electric or turbine motors,
- as well as enabling significantly larger payloads.
The scope of operation is also significantly expanding for sport pilots. Numerous aircraft types previously not permitted will be able to be flown with a Sport Pilot Licence in the future.
The industry therefore rates MOSAIC as the biggest modernisation of American sport aviation since the introduction of the LSA category in 2004.
Cub Crafters seizes the new opportunities straight away
No sooner had the new regulations been published than Cub Crafters presented an aircraft that was consistently tailored to the new possibilities.
The new Carbon Cub ULT based on the well-known Carbon Cub UL, but takes a decisive technical step further. The additional „T“ in the model name stands for Turbine.
According to the manufacturer, this is the world's first ultralight or light-sport aircraft with a modern turboprop engine.
With this, Cub Crafters bridges the gap between classic bush flying and state-of-the-art propulsion technology.
A completely new engine concept
The heart of the Carbon Cub ULT is the newly developed TurboTech TP-R90.
This is a regenerative turboprop engine with digital FADEC control.
Unlike conventional small aircraft turbines, the engine uses a heat exchanger which recovers part of the energy contained in the exhaust gas. This heat is used to preheat the intake air before combustion.
This regenerative process reduces fuel consumption while increasing turbine efficiency.
The comparatively high fuel consumption, especially of smaller turbines, was long considered one of their biggest drawbacks. Modern regenerative concepts are intended to significantly reduce this disadvantage.
FADEC takes over complete engine control
Another feature of the new Carbon Cub ULT is its full digital engine control.
The so-called Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) takes over all essential drive functions automatically.
These include, among others:
- Performance control,
- Fuel injection,
- Temperature monitoring,
- Start-up procedures,
- Motor protection functions,
- as well as the continuous optimisation of engine operation.
This significantly reduces the pilot's workload. Errors in mixture control or power management, which are possible with classic piston engines, are virtually eliminated.
Impressive STOL characteristics
The Carbon Cub family has enjoyed an excellent reputation in bush flying for years.
Thanks to its low weight, large wingspan and powerful engine, it achieves exceptionally short takeoff and landing distances.
The new turbine version is also intended to retain these characteristics.
The combination of high torque, low weight and excellent aerodynamics allows for take-offs and landings on extremely short runways as well as on unpaved airfields.
This concept offers significant advantages, particularly in regions with difficult infrastructure, remote airfields, or challenging terrain.
Impressive performance data
Cub Crafters has not yet fully published the official performance data.
However, initial manufacturer information and pre-series data reveal interesting key figures.
Accordingly, the Carbon Cub ULT is expected to have the following performance figures:
- Tare weight approximately 400 kilograms
- Maximum take-off weight approximately 846 kilograms
- Payload around 447 kilograms
- Tank capacity approximately 167 litres
- Range approximately 1,100 kilometres
- Cruising speed over 200 km/h
Should these values be confirmed in serial operation, the Carbon Cub ULT would offer an exceptional combination of range, payload and STOL performance.
Modern materials meet classic aircraft architecture
Despite all technical innovations, the Carbon Cub remains true to its historical roots.
The basic construction continues to be based on the legendary Piper Cub from the 1930s.
Typically remain:
- High-wing configuration,
- Tandem seating arrangement,
- braced wings,
- excellent all-round visibility,
- as well as the classic spur gear landing gear.
However, a large part of the structure now consists of modern carbon fibre composite materials, which has saved weight while simultaneously increasing strength.
Meaning also for Europe
Even though the Carbon Cub ULT was initially developed exclusively for the American market, European manufacturers are observing its development with great interest.
Alternative drive concepts are gaining increasing importance worldwide. While electric motors are currently the main focus, modern small gas turbines could also represent an interesting option in the future.
It remains to be seen whether comparable concepts can also be realised under European approval regulations in the future. However, the development clearly shows the innovation potential that still exists in the field of light aircraft.
Premiere in Oshkosh
The Carbon Cub ULT will have its public premiere at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh.
The world's largest aviation trade fair is traditionally considered a platform for numerous technical innovations in general aviation.
Cub Crafters is already taking pre-orders. The first series deliveries are currently planned for 2027.
Conclusion
With the Carbon Cub ULT, Cub Crafters presents far more than just a new variant of its successful Carbon Cub family. The aircraft impressively demonstrates the possibilities opened up by the new MOSAIC regulation. For the first time, a light sport aircraft combines a modern turboprop engine with digital FADEC control and the exceptional STOL characteristics of the classic Cub series.
Even if the concept is initially aimed at the American market, the Carbon Cub ULT could mark the beginning of a new generation of powerful, efficient and technologically advanced light aircraft.
Source references:
Aerotelegraph
