Cubcrafters has teamed-up with Lycoming and Hartzell to introduced a more powerful version of the XCub taildragger.
The new aircraft features a 215-hp Lycoming CC393i engine and a Hartzell Pathfinder three-bladed composite propeller, creating a STOL aircraft that Cubcrafters believes will have exceptional perfomance.
The new light-weight, fuel-injected CC393i delivers more than 215 hp and weighs only 4.5 kg more than legacy fuel-injected 180-hp engines.
“The opportunity to work together with Lycoming to develop this new, high-power and light-weight engine for the XCub has been truly inspiring," said CubCrafters president. Patrick Horgan. "The CC393i, with its advances in technology and materials, absolutely delivers on the high performing adventure that we are dedicated to bring to our customers.
“With the CC363i, we started with the combination of a lightweight 180+ horsepower engine with dual electronic ignition, fuel injection, and a high performance Hartzell composite constant speed propeller. Our design team integrated the entire engine and airframe package using our own in house expertise, computational fluid design tools, and considerable testing to optimize both induction airflow and cooling with spectacular results.
“Now we are doing the same with this new 215+ horsepower Lycoming CC393i engine and the new Hartzell Pathfinder propeller; we’re giving the XCub a huge performance boost, just as we did for the experimental Carbon Cub in 2017.”
With updated aerodynamics and internal structure, the Hartzell Pathfinder is thought to be quieter, smoother, and is optimised for back-country operations. The Pathfinder propeller with aluminum hub and structural composite blades weighs 20 kg.
“It has been a pleasure working with Lycoming and CubCrafters to upgrade the performance of the XCub and we are pleased to be at the forefront of yet another forward leap in performance,” said Hartzell Propeller Executive Vice President and General Manager JJ Frigge.
First deliveries of the new XCub are planned for next year.