Global Aviator May 2018 / Vol. 10 / No. 5 79
The new 3×3 landing gear was
originally designed for the XCub
and features strengthened fuselage
attach points. The wings’ rear
spar and attachments have been
bolstered, the leading edge uses
thicker aluminum, and the new struts
resemble those from the XCub.
Improved Flow
CubCrafters created an impressive
ultra-lightweight cold-air induction
system, fed by a new intake scoop in
the lower cowl, to control airflow. The
unusual curved plenum is molded
in carbon composite and assures
precise intake distribution. Push the
throttle and power advances instantly.
CHTs and EGTs are amazingly
consistent across all cylinders.
Simplified Safety Systems
The new intake scoop features
a clever alternate-air door that
opens automatically, feeding the
induction plenum with heated air
in case the primary intake is iced
over or otherwise blocked.
Constant Speed Prop
Hartzell Trailblazer
New to the Carbon Cub family
is the Hartzell Trailblazer constant-
speed prop. This is the same composite
model installed on our flagship
XCub, this time in 80" or 83" lengths.
The combination of the new CC363i
engine and Trailblazer prop on this
lightweight aircraft delivers a thrill ride
that must be flown to be believed!Increased
Hartzell’s Trailblazer prop allows the
CC363i engine to deliver full available
power upon takeoff and climb,
assuring the new model’s position
among top STOL performers. The pilot
may choose a wide range of power
settings to maximize speed, range,
or endurance. Top speed for the new
airplane is rated at 145 MPH (with
8.50x6 tires), and it cruises comfortably
at 135 MPH. Throttle back to 110
MPH and fly for well over six hours!Structure
The new Carbon Cubs not only carry
more, but also operate at higher speeds.
The new construction of the Carbon
Cub EX-3/FX-3 airframe supports an
increased gross weight of 2,000 lbs and
speeds greater than 140 MPH. Despite
the Experimental certification basis
for the EX-3/FX-3, the entire airframe
has endured structural, systems, and
flight testing that is similar to that of
our FAA Part 23 certified aircraft.High-Output
Triple-Zone Cabin Heater
The new engine gave CubCrafters
the opportunity to create an all-new
heating system in the new models.
In a first for the Carbon Cub series,
panel-mount controls direct warm
air to separate vents, front and
rear, as well as to the windshield
defroster. The EX-3/FX-3 will keep
pilot and passenger warm and
comfortable, and assure unobstructed
visibility and improved safety, even
in the coldest environments.New Flight Controls
Cubcrafters has received positive
reviews of the control stick and grip in
the XCub, and the stick/grip combo
in the EX-3/FX-3 is very similar. In
fact, the taller stick requires a facsimileof XCub’s control system, albeit
with cables rather than push-rods.
The thoughtfully formed grip falls
readily at hand when the pilot rests
an arm on his or her leg. In concert
with the G-Series ailerons, inputs
are rewarded with a predictable and
tactile response. Like previous Carbon
Cubs, the grip includes the control
for electric trim and comm PTT.
CubCrafters introduced two
new models of the two-place, high-
wing, single-engine aircraft based
on Piper’s 80-year-old design and
both share increases in payload,
range, speed, and utility. The
Carbon Cub EX–3 is an experimental
amateur-built kit while the FX–3 is
a factory builder-assisted version.Power
Providing power for the EX-3 and
FX-3 is the new CC363i powerplant,
a lightweight four-cylinder engine
with fuel injection from Precision
Airmotive and electronic ignition
by Lightspeed Engineering.
Core engine components
provided by Superior Air Parts
include tapered barrel Millennium
cylinders, roller tappets, and a
counterweighted crankshaft.
CubCrafters’ long-time
engine partner, Aero Sport Power,
provides assembly and testing
of the CC363i using the Superior
components, Precision Airmotive
Silver Hawk EX fuel injection,
Lightspeed dual electronic ignition,
and CubCrafters’ new proprietary
induction system and oil sump.
The construction of the
Carbon Cub EX-3/FX-3 allows
an increased useful load of up
to 977 pounds, which is greater
than any previous Carbon Cub,
according to company officials.
The new 3×3 landing gear
was originally designed for the
XCub and features strengthened
fuselage attach points. The wings’
rear spar and attachments have
been bolstered, the leading edge
uses thicker aluminum, and the
new struts resemble those from the
XCub, company officials note.
Despite the Experimental
certification basis for the EX-3/FX-
3, the entire airframe has endured
structural, systems, and flight testing
that is similar to that of the company’s
FAA Part 23 certified aircraft. •Photo courtesy of CubCrafters