CubCrafters new slats could reduce STOL distances by up to 50 percent

CubCrafters is in the late stages of prototyping a new device, the Electric Lift Augmenting Slats (ELAS) for a broad application to many fixed-wing aircraft.

Known for manufacturing short takeoff and landing planes for backcountry and adventurous flying, CubCrafters is designing a device to help these aircraft achieve even shorter STOL distances. The ELAS device, designed by CubCrafters engineers, can be attached to an existing aircraft or implemented in the original manufacturing. The technology uses small electric ducted fans with lifting slats to change the airflow over the wing, resulting in up to a 50 percent reduction in takeoff and landing distances.

After NASA reviewed the new technology, CubCrafters was given two grants to pursue the ELAS technology, with recognition of the improvements it can make to scientific, military and civilian aircraft.

CubCrafters is anticipating putting the completed ELAS technology on a test airplane in the next few months. Once the technology has been installed, the plane can fly to test it out before it is released to the public.

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After gaining SEC approval for a public stock offering, CubCrafters has announced enhancements, acquisitions and a new plane variant. CubCrafters acquired Summit Aircraft Skis, including design and manufacturing assets, patents and intellectual property. Many CubCrafters use Summit Aircraft Skis, allowing their plane to fly in remote and primitive areas otherwise inaccessible in the winter.

CubCrafters also unveiled the new variant of the Carbon Cub, the Carbon Cub UL. The announcement was made opening day of Sun ‘n Fun, introducing an aircraft that will expand the legacy of the Carbon Cub. The new variant is in development for the international markets and has new technology that makes the aircraft lighter and better performing than the Carbon Cub SS.

Customers will have to wait for the arrival of the ELAS device but CubCrafters is ready to complete the assembly of the technology in the coming months, moving one step closer to testing and hitting the market.