CubCrafters XCub vs Piper PA-18 Super Cub
Head-to-head — specs, at a glance.
iSeats
2 · 2
Engine
piston single · piston single
Gear
Fixed · Fixed
CubCrafters XCubPiper PA-18 Super Cub
Cruise speedKTAS
126
100
Stall speed (Vs0)lower is betterKIAS
40
37
Rangenm
695
400
Useful loadlbs
1,084
752
Full-fuel payloadlbs
808
536
Service ceilingft
14.0k
19.0k
Fuel burnlower is bettergph
9.5
9
Cruise MPGmpg
15.3
12.8
Typical pricelower is betterUSD
$400k
$171k
CubCrafters XCub
CubCrafters of Yakima, Washington introduced the XCub in June 2016 as the next generation of its Super Cub-derived line, developed in secret over six years before FAA type certification (Part 23, day/night VFR) was granted on 2 June 2016. It is built on an original fuselage design using CNC-milled 4130 chromoly steel tubing under doped fabric, with carbon fiber used extensively in secondary structure to control weight. Total XCub production had reached at least the low hundreds by the mid-2020s and continues.
- +Outstanding STOL performance (170 ft demonstrated)
- +Exceptional useful load for a two-seater (1,084 lb)
- +Modern design with established backcountry pedigree
- !Tandem seating limits cross-country and business utility
- !Limited fleet hours; long-term wear patterns not yet established
- !Modest range (695 nm) and cruise speed (126 KTAS) for distance flying
Piper PA-18 Super Cub
- +Legendary backcountry performer with 200 ft takeoff roll
- +Massive parts ecosystem and mechanic familiarity
- +Benign handling and exemplary stall characteristics
- !Slow cruise (100 KTAS) limits cross-country utility
- !Tandem seating and modest payload reduce flexibility
- !Fabric airframe requires regular inspection and eventual recovery
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