If you could “hot-rod” your airplane to improve its performance without turning wrenches, wouldn’t you give it a try?
While automotive enthusiasts have long used electronic tweaking to fine-tune their cars’ top speed, acceleration, and other traits, pilots have not always had as many options. Now CubCrafters is offering a performance-enhancing software upgrade for its aircraft powered by Rotax 916iS engines.
High Performance Heritage
Renowned racing and demonstration pilot Luke Czepiela developed the new FADEC software in collaboration with aircraft systems and accessories company RS Flight Systems. The upgrade is designed to improve overall performance “while maintaining the simplicity and reliability of the Rotax engine platform,” CubCrafters said in a news release.
Czepiela, known for his accomplishments as a Red Bull Air Race pilot and STOL competitor, has flown CubCrafters aircraft for several Red Bull demonstrations. Among his most memorable and sensational maneuvers was the 2023 “Bullseye Landing” on a helipad atop the 56-story Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai.
“Luke has accumulated thousands of hours operating Carbon Cub aircraft in some of the most demanding flying environments imaginable,” said Brad Damm, vice president of CubCrafters. “His deep understanding of the aircraft, combined with the engineering expertise of RS Flight Systems, has resulted in a software enhancement that makes an already remarkable airplane even more responsive and capable. Pilots will notice the difference from the moment they advance the throttle.”
Specific Goals
Among the goals Czepiela and RS Flight Systems sought through their software modifications were improved acceleration during takeoff and go-around, stronger climb performance, faster cruise speed, and better energy management in part through improved deceleration. The resulting changes, accomplished completely through software, combine to boost the Carbon Cub UL’s all-round performance, CubCrafters said.
“The Rotax 916 iS is already an incredible engine, but we saw opportunities to further optimize how it delivers power throughout the flight envelope,” Czepiela said. “The goal wasn’t simply to increase performance on paper. We wanted to make the aircraft feel more responsive and enjoyable to fly. Whether you’re accelerating for takeoff, climbing into the mountains, cruising cross-country, or setting up for a short-field landing, pilots will notice the difference.”
The upgrade, which has undergone evaluation in CubCrafters aircraft using both Hartzell and MT Propellers, is available for eligible Rotax 916 iS-powered CubCrafters models for $1,500. The company encourages interested owners to contact CubCrafters customer support for eligibility, scheduling, and installation details.