Yakima, Washington ‐ July 20, 2015: CubCrafters is pleased to announce an agreement with the Liaoning Cub Aircraft Corporation (LCA) of China. The deal includes the sale of their CC18 Top Cub Type Certificate and a corresponding license agreement with LCA for CubCrafters to continue manufacturing and marketing of the aircraft for non‐Chinese markets. Four years in the making, this agreement included validation of the CC18 Type Certificate by the Chinese aviation authority (CAAC). The new relationship introduces Cub‐type aircraft into the growing Chinese GA marketplace.
Both parties agree the Top Cub is well suited for many roles in the emerging Chinese general aviation market including flight training, aerial photography and mapping, ag spraying, and of course personal use. The Top Cub is a proven design: simple, rugged, and economical to operate relative to other aircraft options. Powered by either the Lycoming O‐360 C4P or the Superior Vantage O‐360 A3A2, the Top Cub can be configured in a number of ways including skis, and both straight and amphibious floats. With a useful load of over 1,000 lbs. it is expected to be well received in the growing Chinese market.
This sale of the CC18‐180 Type Certificate to LCA, and corresponding long term support contracts, will fund CubCrafters ambitious lineup of new generation aircraft projects. Long term contracts integral to the deal include CubCrafters’ ongoing management of FAA-required Continued Operational Safety (COS), manufacturing and marketing the Top Cub for the US and other markets, and providing worldwide fleet support indefinitely.
Jim Richmond, CubCrafters founder and CEO indicates, “This new agreement helps position CubCrafters for the future, both in terms of expansion into international markets, and funding current and future development projects. Though CubCrafters and LCA remain separate and independent entities, opportunities to cooperate in the Chinese market together look promising”.
Zhijun Qian, CEO of LCA, states, “From my first meeting with CubCrafters in 2011, I was inspired to introduce this aircraft into China. This agreement represents the beginning of the next phase of our vision to introduce this iconic aircraft into Chinese general aviation. We look forward to seeing her flying throughout China soon! I thank the CubCrafters team for their cooperation with this agreement and look forward to working with them to make our efforts in China a success”.
ABOUT CUBCRAFTERS
Founded in 1980, CubCrafters manufactures a line of backcountry aircraft inspired by the 80‐year history of classic taildragger aviation, but the company’s products and services are leading edge.
CubCrafters offers three new, ready‐to‐fly aircraft. The Sport Cub S2 and Carbon Cub SS lead all American light sport aircraft in performance and sales. The Top Cub, with a useful load of over 1000 lbs., is the most capable two‐place personal and utility aircraft in its class. CubCrafters also offers their Carbon Cub in a kit version, the Carbon Cub EX‐2, as well as an E‐AB “builder assist” program, Carbon Cub FX Builder Assist.
ABOUT LIAONING CUB AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
Formed in 2011 and registered at Yingkou, China, Liaoning Cub Aircraft’s mission is to bring general aviation manufacturing and related support to the Chinese GA market. Founded by CEO, Mr. Zhijun Qian, Liaoning Cub Aircraft aspires to leverage local manufacturing capability to seek its place in the growing Chinese market.
