CubCrafters XCub / Top Cub

CubCrafters of Yakima, Washington has done what no other manufacturer has accomplished — taking the legendary Piper PA-18 Super Cub concept and engineering it into a modern, high-performance backcountry aircraft that dramatically exceeds the original's capabilities while maintaining its soul.

The CubCrafters product line includes the CC-18 Top Cub (2004, the improved Super Cub) and the CC-19 XCub (2016, the next-generation STOL aircraft). Both are certified Part 23 aircraft built with welded 4130 chromoly steel tube fuselage and fabric covering, with the XCub incorporating significant carbon fiber structure for weight savings.

The XCub is the current flagship — it cruises at 126 KTAS (50% faster than a stock Super Cub), carries 1,084 lbs useful load (nearly double a Super Cub), and can take off in under 300 feet at gross weight. With 49 gallons of fuel and 9.5 GPH burn rate, it provides nearly 700 nm range. The XCub represents the state of the art in certified backcountry aircraft.

The XCub is available in 180HP (O-360) and 215HP (IO-390) versions, plus the NXCub tricycle-gear variant. Total CubCrafters certified production exceeds 200 aircraft between Top Cub and XCub models, with production continuing.

Both models are MOSAIC eligible (Vs1 41-42 KIAS, gross weight 2,300 lbs).

The Top Cub is the refined Super Cub — traditional construction, proven O-360 engine, straightforward. The XCub is the revolutionary step: extensive carbon fiber construction reduces empty weight to 1,216 lbs (vs 1,200 lbs for the Top Cub) while adding a wider cabin, modern panel, and significantly better performance. The CC19-215 with the fuel-injected IO-390 at 215HP is the ultimate expression — eliminating carb ice concerns and adding 35HP for dramatically better climb and hot/high performance.

The CC19-180 XCub cruises at 126 KTAS (145 MPH) — approximately 50% faster than a stock PA-18 Super Cub. At economy cruise (104 KTAS / 120 MPH), fuel burn drops to 6 GPH, providing 8+ hours endurance from the 49-gallon tank. This is extraordinary for a backcountry aircraft.

The XCub's STOL performance is astonishing. Published takeoff and landing rolls of 170-300 feet (depending on weight and conditions) approach ultralight territory while carrying 1,084 lbs useful load. Stall speed is 40 KIAS in landing configuration — lower than most training aircraft.

The CC19-215 with the IO-390 adds approximately 200 FPM climb rate and 5-10 KTAS additional cruise speed. More importantly, the fuel injection eliminates carburetor icing — the #1 engine failure cause in mountain flying.

The Top Cub (CC-18) is more modest: 110 KTAS cruise, 800 FPM climb, and traditional Super Cub-like handling. It's a refined Super Cub rather than a reimagined one.

The 2,300 lb gross weight (vs 1,750 lbs for a PA-18) and 1,084 lbs useful load fundamentally change what a tandem two-seat tailwheel can accomplish. Two full-size adults with full fuel (49 gal / 294 lbs) still have 590 lbs available — enough for substantial cargo, camping gear, or survival equipment.

CC19-180 XCub (O-360-C1, 180HP, 49 gal fuel):

CC18-180 Top Cub (O-360-C4P, 180HP, 50 gal fuel):

The XCub's 1,084 lbs useful load is transformational for a two-seat tailwheel. Two 200-lb adults with full fuel (294 lbs) still have 390 lbs for cargo — enough for camping gear, hunting equipment, or significant supplies. Solo with full fuel, 590 lbs of cargo capacity. At economy cruise (6 GPH / 104 KTAS), range extends beyond 900 nm with full fuel — enabling true long-range backcountry expeditions. This payload-range combination is unmatched in the certified two-seat backcountry class.

• Flight Training (4): Used for tailwheel transition and backcountry training. Not for primary training — too expensive and specialized. Excellent for advanced bush flying instruction.
• Backcountry (10): The pinnacle of certified backcountry aircraft. The XCub combines Super Cub DNA with modern performance that the original could never achieve. 300-foot takeoff rolls, 1,084 lbs useful load, 126 KTAS cruise, 695 nm range, tundra tire compatibility, float availability — the XCub does everything a backcountry pilot needs, better than anything else certified.
• Business Travel (2): Two tandem seats, but 126 KTAS and 695 nm range make it usable for backcountry business transport (e.g., getting to remote work sites).
• Aerobatics (1): Not aerobatic certified.
• Cross-Country (5): 126 KTAS with 695 nm range is credible cross-country performance for a tandem two-seater. Economy cruise at 104 KTAS with 8 hours endurance enables very long legs. Limited by tandem seating comfort.
• Cargo Hauling (6): 1,084 lbs useful load is outstanding for a two-seater. With rear seat empty or removed, the XCub becomes a serious cargo platform for remote supply delivery.
• Local Fun Flying (9): The XCub is pure joy. Every grass strip, gravel bar, and backcountry airfield becomes your playground. The combination of STOL capability, speed, and handling makes every flight an adventure. The sliding rear window and high wing provide outstanding visibility.
• Surveying (7): High wing, excellent slow-flight characteristics, and up to 8 hours endurance at economy cruise. Good platform for pipeline patrol and aerial observation.

• Top Cub: Basic VFR panel standard. Simple instrumentation appropriate for bush flying. Garmin upgrades available.
• XCub factory: CubCrafters offers outstanding factory panel options — Garmin G3X Touch with dual screens, GTN 650Xi/750Xi, GFC 500 autopilot, ADS-B In/Out. The XCub can be delivered with an IFR-capable glass cockpit that rivals a Cirrus SR22.
• The XCub panel is its secret weapon. Unlike most tailwheel bush planes that sacrifice avionics for simplicity, the XCub provides full modern avionics in a STOL platform. A G3X-equipped XCub with autopilot is a genuine IFR-capable cross-country machine that also lands in 200 feet.

• Tundra tires: Alaskan Bushwheel tires (26", 29", 31", 35") — essential for backcountry operations. Available on the type certificate for the XCub.
• Float installations: Wipaire Wipline amphibious floats. The CC19-215 on amphibious floats is a remarkable aircraft — 215HP provides adequate performance even with float drag.
• Ski installations: Available for winter operations.
• The XCub is delivered in virtually any desired configuration from the factory. Unlike legacy aircraft that require extensive aftermarket modification, CubCrafters builds to order with the customer's chosen configuration.

• Annual inspection: $2,000-$4,000. Carbon fiber inspection procedures for XCub add complexity.
• Engine overhaul: $22,000 for O-360 at 2,000-hour TBO. $28,000 for IO-390.
• Carbon fiber repair: Requires authorized repair station. Costs are higher than traditional fabric/steel tube repair.
• Parts availability: Good. CubCrafters maintains strong factory support. Lycoming engine parts are universally available.
• Mechanic familiarity: Specialist. The XCub's carbon fiber and modern construction require CubCrafters-trained mechanics for structural work. Standard engine and fabric maintenance is conventional.
• Annual all-in cost: $18,000-$28,000 at 100 hours/year (higher insurance costs dominate).
• Operating cost: $100-$150/hour all-in.

• CC18-180 Top Cub (2004-present): $180,000-$320,000. Traditional construction; proven design.
• CC19-180 XCub (2016-2019): $350,000-$450,000. Original XCub; 180HP.
• CC19-215 XCub (2019+): $400,000-$550,000. Premium for fuel injection and 215HP.
• New XCub: $430,000-$550,000+ depending on configuration.
• Float-equipped: Add $40,000-$70,000 for amphibious float installation.

Per valuation-methodology: Engine type (carbureted O-360 vs fuel-injected IO-390) is a primary value factor. Avionics configuration (basic VFR vs full G3X glass) significantly affects value — a fully equipped XCub can be $100K+ more than a basic one. The XCub holds value exceptionally well due to strong demand and limited production. Float configuration adds substantial value. Total time is less of a factor since most XCubs are low-time.

Key ADs:

• The XCub is a young design (2016) with a limited AD history. No major structural ADs have been issued as of 2025.
• Standard Lycoming O-360/IO-390 engine ADs apply.

Common Problems:

• Young design: The XCub has limited field history compared to aircraft with 50+ years of service. Unknown long-term issues may emerge. The carbon fiber structural components are new territory for this class of aircraft.
• Cost of parts: CubCrafters proprietary parts can be expensive. The carbon fiber structure requires specialized repair procedures.
• Insurance cost: The XCub's high hull value ($400K+) combined with tailwheel configuration and backcountry operation profile creates expensive insurance — often $5,000-$10,000/year.
• Tailwheel ground handling: Standard for tailwheel aircraft — requires proper technique, especially on pavement.
• Carbon fiber repair: Any structural damage to carbon fiber components requires CubCrafters-authorized repair procedures. This is more complex and expensive than steel tube fabric repair.

Per insurance-underwriting:

• Hull insurance: $4,500-$8,000/year. High hull values + tailwheel + backcountry = expensive insurance. Rates at 1.2-2% of hull value.
• Liability: $500-$1,000/year.
• Pilot minimums: Tailwheel endorsement mandatory. 200+ hours with 50+ tailwheel hours recommended. Many insurers require CubCrafters-specific transition training.
• Low-time tailwheel pilots face very steep premiums — $10,000+/year is not uncommon for a pilot with limited tailwheel experience in a $450K aircraft.
• Float endorsement: Required for amphibious operations; adds to premium.