New Kestrel Propeller for Carbon Cub UL Unveiled

New Kestrel Propeller for Carbon Cub UL Unveiled

CubCrafters has partnered with Hartzell to create the new Kestrel propeller, specifically engineered for the Rotax 916 iS-powered Carbon Cub UL. This lightweight, three-blade composite propeller offers exceptional performance, with improved thrust-to-weight efficiency ideal for backcountry operations. Weighing under 20 lbs., the Kestrel propeller incorporates a structural foam core carbon fiber composite blade, a nickel-cobalt leading edge, and a durable two-piece aluminum hub, ensuring unlimited life with no in-service lubrication required.

To our valued media partners,



While developing the Rotax 916 iS powered Carbon Cub UL, CubCrafters
challenged both domestic and international propeller manufacturers to
develop a new propeller specifically designed to meet the needs of
backcountry aircraft where converting horsepower to thrust in high density
altitude environments can be challenging. We emphasized that a lightweight
design with high durability for primitive airstrips and maximum throttle
response for short field performance would be essential for this new
propeller.



Hartzell has truly delivered on that challenge. The new Kestrel propeller
for the Carbon Cub UL offers the lightest weight, best acceleration, highest
rates of climb, and fastest cruise speeds of all the constant-speed
propellers we tested. It is a clean sheet design, but built on the legacy of
prior Hartzell systems with the durability of a structural foam core carbon
fiber composite blade and a nickel-cobalt leading edge. At under 20 lbs., it
has a two piece aluminum hub, has been designed for unlimited life, and
requires no in-service lubrication. Field maintenance and minor repairs are
allowed, and Hartzell offers worldwide service and support.



Hartzell has been a key and trusted supplier to CubCrafters for the past
decade, and we are excited to launch this new series of lightweight
propellers for Rotax-powered aircraft with them. We will have a Carbon Cub
UL equipped with this new propeller available for media flights at Sun n'
Fun here in a few weeks. Please reach out if you'd like to experience it!



Please consider this Press Release as embargoed until tomorrow (Tuesday
2/25/25) at 8 AM Eastern standard time. After that, we really appreciate any
media coverage your organization can provide.



Sincerely,



Brad Damm - Vice President

CubCrafters - Yakima, Washington

Office: (509) 248-9491

Cell: (509) 961-2313





This document may contain confidential and proprietary information and may
not be copied or distributed without written permission from the sender or
CubCrafters. Copyright C 2024 CubCrafters Group LLC.




To our valued media partners,
While developing the Rotax 916 iS powered Carbon Cub UL, CubCrafters challenged both domestic and international propeller manufacturers to develop a new propeller specifically designed to meet the needs of backcountry aircraft where converting horsepower to thrust in high density altitude environments can be challenging. We emphasized that a lightweight design with high durability for primitive airstrips and maximum throttle response for short field performance would be essential for this new propeller.
Hartzell has truly delivered on that challenge. The new Kestrel propeller for the Carbon Cub UL offers the lightest weight, best acceleration, highest rates of climb, and fastest cruise speeds of all the constant-speed propellers we tested. It is a clean sheet design, but built on the legacy of prior Hartzell systems with the durability of a structural foam core carbon fiber composite blade and a nickel-cobalt leading edge. At under 20 lbs., it has a two piece aluminum hub, has been designed for unlimited life, and requires no in-service lubrication. Field maintenance and minor repairs are allowed, and Hartzell offers worldwide service and support.
Hartzell has been a key and trusted supplier to CubCrafters for the past decade, and we are excited to launch this new series of lightweight propellers for Rotax-powered aircraft with them. We will have a Carbon Cub UL equipped with this new propeller available for media flights at Sun n’ Fun here in a few weeks. Please reach out if you’d like to experience it!
Please consider this Press Release as embargoed until tomorrow (Tuesday 2/25/25) at 8 AM Eastern standard time. After that, we really appreciate any media coverage your organization can provide.
Sincerely,
Brad Damm – Vice President
CubCrafters - Yakima, Washington
Office: (509) 248-9491
Cell: (509) 961-2313
This document may contain confidential and proprietary information and may not be copied or distributed without written permission from the sender or CubCrafters. Copyright © 2024 CubCrafters Group LLC.
EMBARGO Until / 8:00 AM EST , 02-25-2025 Media Contact: brad.damm@cubcrafters.com

PRESS RELEASE

CARBON CUB UL IS THE FIRST TO RECEIVE
HARTZELL’S NEW LIGHTWEIGHT "KESTREL"
COMPOSITE PROPELLER.

Available Immediately to CubCrafters Customers



























New Kestrel lightweight propeller installed on a Carbon Cub UL backcountry aircraft . – Photo courtesy of CubCrafters

Yakima, WA & Piqua, OH – [February 25, 2025] – CubCrafters, a leader in backcountry aircraft
innovation, and Hartzell Propeller, a global leader in advanced propeller design, proudly announce the
development of an exciting all -new, lightweight constant -speed propeller engineered specifically for the
Rotax 916 -powered Carbon Cub UL. This revolutionary new three -blade composite propeller delivers
unmatched performance while significantly reducing weight compared to previous designs.

EMBARGO Until / 8:00 AM EST , 02-25-2025
The Kestrel propeller is a key advancement for the Carbon Cub UL, designed to be the lightest and most
capable adventure aircraft in its class. Leveraging Hartzell’s expertise in high -performance composite
propellers, the lightweight Kestrel propeller opti mizes thrust, efficiency, and durability, enhancing the
Carbon Cub UL’s already impressive takeoff, climb, and cruise characteristics.
"Our work with Hartzell represents a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance,
efficiency, and safety," said Patrick Horgan, President and CEO of CubCrafters. "The Kestrel propeller is a major breakthrough for the Carbon Cub UL, giving pilots superior performance and capability at a
previously unheard -of weight."
Built using Hartzell’s latest composite manufacturing technology, the Kestrel propeller is lighter than any
previous constant -speed propeller offered on the Carbon Cub while also offering increased strength and
aerodynamic refinement. This innovative desig n maximizes the power of the Rotax 916 iS engine,
delivering improved responsiveness and fuel efficiency for both backcountry and cross -country flying.
"Working with CubCrafters on this groundbreaking project was exciting," said JJ Frigge, President of
Hartzell Propeller. "The Kestrel propeller represents the first in our next generation of lightweight, high -
performance propellers. Tailored to the specific needs of the Carbon Cub UL and its demanding mission
profile, this new propeller exceeded everyone’s expectations ."
The Kestrel propeller has successfully completed rigorous testing and is now available for Carbon Cub UL
customers. This project underscores both companies’ dedication to delivering cutting -edge aviation
technology that enhances the pilot experience and ai rcraft capability.
Customers who have flown the new Kestrel propeller have been extremely impressed by its
performance, particularly its remarkable smoothness and acceleration. Pilots have reported noticeable
improvements in overall flight characteristics, making the Kestrel an outstanding addition to the Carbon
Cub UL.
For more information, please visit www.cubcrafters.com and www.hartzellprop.com .
Please see propeller technical specifications at:

https://cubcrafters.com/c/wp -content/uploads/2025/02/CarbonCubUL_Kestrel -Propeller- Datasheet.pdf

About CubCrafters
CubCrafters has been an industry leader in the design and manufacturing of backcountry aircraft for
over four decades. Based in Yakima, Washington, the company is dedicated to producing innovative,
high -performance aircraft that provide pilots with unmatch ed capability, safety, and adventure. With a
commitment to quality craftsmanship and cutting- edge technology, CubCrafters continues to push the
boundaries of modern adventure aviation.
About Hartzell Propeller
Hartzell Propeller is a global leader in advanced propeller design and manufacturing, with over a century
of experience producing high -performance propellers for a wide range of aircraft. The company is
committed to innovation, safety, and reliability, using state- of-the-art materials and engineering to
optimize aircraft efficiency and performance. Hartzell's propellers are trusted by pilots worldwide for
their durability, precision, and exceptional flight characteristics. Hartzell Propeller Inc.
One Propeller Place
Piqua, OH 45356-2634 USA
Tel: +1-937-778-4200
Fax: +1-937-778-4215
www.hartzellprop.com PROPELLER DATA SHEET
Model Numbers
Configuration
Blade Data
Weights and Moments
Restrictions / PlacardsAircraft............................................. CubCrafters Carbon Cub UL
Engine............................................... Rotax 916iS
Propeller........................................... 3H1-QP275(A,B)1X/76H62X1
Spinner.............................................. 109769()X
Blade................................................. 76H62X1
Control System................................. 1
Number of Blades............................... 3
Hub Material....................................... AluminumSpinner Diameter................................ 10.8
Spinner Length................................... 12.5Propeller Diameter.............................. 76.0
Activity Factor / Blade....................... 81
Blade Material.................................... Carbon CompositeDesign Lift Coefficient (CL )............ 0.615
Basic Propeller................................... 19.6Measured
Spacer................................................
Mounting Hardware........................... 0.5
Spinner............................................... 1.7
De-Ice................................................
Total Weight...................................... 21.8
Polar Moment of Inertia.................... 0.617 Measured
Mounting Flange (CG location)........ 2.750
TBDDistance from Blade Center toinches
inchesinches
i
pounds
pounds
pounds
pounds
pounds
pounds
slugs x ft2
inches
NOTE 1: OPERATING RESTRICTION INFORMATION MUST BE COMMUNICATED TO ALL OPERATORS IN THE FLIGHT AND
MAINTENANCE MANUALS, AND ALSO IDENTIFIED ON INSTRUMENT OR PANEL MARKINGS WHERE
APPROPRIATE.
NOTE 2: Unless otherwise noted, all data are analytically estimated at nominal dimension.CM27.4
CM31.8CM193.0
Kg8.89
Kg
Kg0.23
Kg0.77
Kg
Kg9.89
Kg x M0.837
CM6.992Measured
Measured
Measured
Measured
MeasuredHub................................................... 3H1-QP275(A,B)1X
Spinner Material................................. Composite
printed: 1/14/2025
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