"The launch of the 916iS/c is yet another testament to our commitment to developing ground-breaking technologies and creating the most advanced propulsion systems for our customers. For us, it was crystal clear that we had to build on the success of the 915 engine. We can now seize new opportunities in the four-seat market segment with a perfectly mature product and thus continue our steady growth of recent years. With the 916iS/c, we are responding to unmet customer needs and living up to the innovation philosophy of our long-standing company," said Peter Ölsinger, General Manager, BRP-Rotax, and Vice-President, Sales, Marketing & Communications, Rotax Propulsion Systems. In this class up to 160 horsepower, the new propulsion system features fully electronic iS technology for increased performance, greater efficiency and simplified maintenance and servicing. This means that engine selection for maintenance and repairs can be carried out via the BUD system Aircraft (BRP Utility and Diagnostic Software for Rotax Aircraft Engines), in a similar way to the automotive industry.
As a testament to BRP-Rotax's confidence in this new propulsion system, the TBO (Time Between Overhaul) at product launch is 2,000 hours, which speaks to the value customers can derive from the engine. The Rotax 916iS/c will then be introduced on the European market at the AERO in Friedrichshafen, Germany from April 19 to 22, 2023.
BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG, the Austrian subsidiary of BRP Inc, is a leader in the development and production of propulsion systems for the recreational and powersports markets. Founded back in 1920, BRP-Rotax has been committed to sustainable mobility and technological progress for more than 100 years.
In conclusion, the Rotax 916iS engine is a game-changer that promises to take aviation performance to the next level. Its incredible features, such as multi-fuel technology, fully electronic iS technology, and simplified maintenance and servicing, make it an attractive option for pilots and flight schools alike. With BRP-Rotax's commitment to sustainable mobility and technological progress, the 916iS is a testament to their dedication to developing ground-breaking technologies that meet the evolving needs of their customers.
So let's take off to new heights together with the Rotax 916iS engine!
Carbon Cub:
CubCrafters, a leading manufacturer of light sport and backcountry aircraft, has announced the launch of a new variant of its popular Carbon Cub aircraft called the Carbon Cub UL. This new aircraft is specifically designed for international markets, and the company has invested in several new technologies to make it even lighter and better performing than its predecessor, the Carbon Cub SS. One of the key features of the Carbon Cub UL is its multi-fuel technology, which allows it to operate on both MOGAS and AVGAS. The aircraft is fully compliant with ASTM standards and is capable of carrying two adult passengers, a full fuel load, and a reasonable amount of baggage at a takeoff weight of 600 kg (1320 lbs) and under.
CubCrafters has collaborated with BRP-Rotax, a leading manufacturer of aircraft engines, to launch their new 160 HP turbocharged engine, the Rotax 916 iS, on the Carbon Cub UL. This engine is lighter, more fuel-efficient, and can produce more power than the normally aspirated CC340 engine on the Carbon Cub SS, especially in higher density altitude scenarios. According to Patrick Horgan, CubCrafters President and CEO, “The Carbon Cub was first introduced in 2009 and has been an amazing aircraft for both CubCrafters and the entire backcountry community. It has redefined expectations industry-wide for what a light STOL aircraft should be. Now, we’re reimagining the Carbon Cub by incorporating the latest in pre-preg composites, more titanium components, and innovative manufacturing techniques, along with the best new engine and avionics technologies for even more performance and versatility.”
Brad Damm, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for CubCrafters, added that the Carbon Cub UL is the culmination of years of investment in human and economic resources, the hard work of their industry-leading team, and their dedication to research and development. The company believes that this aircraft will make a significant contribution to unlocking the enormous potential of the international marketplace. The production version of the new aircraft will initially be built, certified, and test flown as a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) at the CubCrafters factory in Yakima, Washington, but will also meet Ultralight category requirements in many international jurisdictions. This means that the aircraft can remain in the LSA category for customers in Australia, New Zealand, Israel, and even the United States, but can also be deregistered, exported, and reregistered as an Ultralight category aircraft in many jurisdictions in Europe, South America, and elsewhere.
CubCrafters demonstrated a technology demonstrator version of the Carbon Cub UL earlier this month in Dubai, UAE, as part of a recent Red Bull project that inspired audiences worldwide. The demonstrator was able to successfully land and take off again from a 27-meter diameter heliport that is suspended 56 stories above the ground on top of Dubai's iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. The first Rotax 916 iS powered Carbon Cub UL, an engineering development prototype, is currently on display at the CubCrafters exhibit at Sun n’ Fun. CubCrafters is accepting deposits for the Carbon Cub UL starting at the show, and with the company’s current backlog of new aircraft orders, the first consumer deliveries are expected in early 2025.
With the Carbon Cub UL, CubCrafters is taking the next step in its mission to create unique value in the experience of personal adventure aviation. As Horgan stated, “We’re thrilled to be introducing this aircraft to the market, and we can’t wait to see where our customers will take it.”
Cubcrafters Press release - https://cubcrafters.com/snf23
Cubcrafters website - https://cubcrafters.com/about
