CubCrafters unveils turbine-powered Carbon Cub ULT for backcountry sport pilots

CubCrafters has introduced the Carbon Cub ULT, the first U.S.-manufactured turboprop eligible for Sport Pilots under the FAA’s new MOSAIC regulations. Powered by TurboTech’s TP-R90 regenerative turbine engine with dual FADEC, the aircraft delivers push-button starting, single-lever power control, and 141 equivalent horsepower while matching the fuel economy of the piston-driven Carbon Cub UL. Flight testing is ongoing near Yakima, Washington, with public debut scheduled for EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh this summer. Initial customer deliveries are expected in 2027 as the sector prepares for MOSAIC’s July 24 implementation, which permits turbine powerplants in light sport aircraft and eliminates the prior piston-only restriction for sport pilot eligibility.