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Meet the aircraft
CubCrafters introduced the XCub in 2016. It retains the braced high wing and compact tandem cabin associated with Cub-style aircraft while incorporating a modern airframe and equipment. The conventional-gear XCub is joined by the nosewheel NXCub. The undercarriage distinction is visible before entering the cockpit and changes the aircraft's ground-handling arrangement.
Aircraft background
Wikipedia contributors · Read more ↗A solo introduction ends on a small grass strip
Hirschman climbed into the XCub over a large tundra tyre and found a cockpit with a particularly good view. The aircraft was still completing its initial flight-test hours, so this introduction had to be solo. Once airborne from Yakima, he enjoyed its energetic climb and crisp responses, with the surrounding landscape adding to the pleasure of learning a new aircraft. A visit to the little grass strip at Buena supplied a different kind of impression.
AOPA · June 2016. Third factory XCub, still in its initial flight-test period; solo flight from Yakima. Randy Lervold provided the briefing on the ground.
AOPA · Read more ↗Into the cockpit
YouTube CubCrafters
XCub - Overview
CubCrafters introduces the XCub and its design.
Real XCub; manufacturer overview
Watch on YouTube ↗Preview images are served by AirframeDB. Videos open on YouTube only when you choose to watch.
Meet CubCrafters XCub
CubCrafters introduced the XCub in 2016. It retains the braced high wing and compact tandem cabin associated with Cub-style aircraft while incorporating a modern airframe and equipment. The conventional-gear XCub is joined by the nosewheel NXCub.
The undercarriage distinction is visible before entering the cockpit and changes the aircraft's ground-handling arrangement. Simulator products identify the XCub and NXCub separately.
CubCrafters XCub
Aircraft type designators
Use the code for the model you are flying. The linked authority lists the applicable aircraft.
History & design
A privately funded project emerges after six years
Hirschman’s 2016 introduction describes six years of internally funded development before the XCub’s public unveiling. Its familiar Cub outline therefore concealed a substantial development programme, rather than simply a new name or cockpit trim.
AOPA · Introducing the XCub ↗Development history reported at the unveiling
Pilot accounts
A solo introduction ends on a small grass strip
Hirschman climbed into the XCub over a large tundra tyre and found a cockpit with a particularly good view. The aircraft was still completing its initial flight-test hours, so this introduction had to be solo. Once airborne from Yakima, he enjoyed its energetic climb and crisp responses, with the surrounding landscape adding to the pleasure of learning a new aircraft.
A visit to the little grass strip at Buena supplied a different kind of impression. The large tyres absorbed the uneven ground, making the arrival feel smoother than the surface suggested. The flight gave Hirschman a chance to experience both the new cockpit and the familiar Cub activity of dropping into a small airfield.
AOPA · June 2016. Third factory XCub, still in its initial flight-test period; solo flight from Yakima. Randy Lervold provided the briefing on the ground.
Read the full account · AOPA ↗A firm touchdown reveals one of the changes
Bertorelli arrived firmly enough to produce a small bounce, giving him an immediate subject for discussion with Randy Lervold. The landing gear was one of several departures from the traditional Cub arrangement. In the cockpit, he also noticed how the improved view over the nose could briefly make level flight feel like a descent.
The cabin supplied more comfortable discoveries. Leather seats, places to put belongings and provisions for the rear occupant made the aircraft feel suited to spending time in, rather than simply taking around the circuit. His review follows those everyday details alongside the handling: learning a different sight picture, feeling the landing gear at work and appreciating somewhere useful to keep things during a journey.
fliegermagazin · August 2016 issue. Early XCub evaluation, with manufacturer comments from Randy Lervold; configuration predates the later 215-hp amphibian.
Read the full account · fliegermagazin ↗A delivery journey becomes preparation for teaching the owner
Valpey’s assignment began with the aircraft’s initial flight testing in the Columbia River Gorge. The following delivery to Florida turned it into a travelling companion, with stops including Santa Fe and Lake Powell. Airports and water destinations gave him different settings in which to become familiar with the amphibian before introducing its owner to it.
In Florida, Valpey moved to the rear seat for three days of owner training. He enjoyed the aircraft’s responsiveness, while the teaching also revealed the adjustments a newcomer needed to make with the throttle. There were practical irritations too: the water-rudder controls became tiring during long taxiing. His report explicitly leaves grass and other soft-field operation outside the experience he had accumulated.
CubCrafters-hosted first-person report · March 2021. Experimental amateur-built XCub with 215-hp CC393i and Wipline 2100 amphibious floats; Valpey was hired for flight testing, delivery and training.
Read the full account · CubCrafters ↗In your simulator
Systems, equipment and documentation for each developer’s aircraft.
Compare simulator versions →MSFS 2024NXCub
Microsoft Flight Simulator · Released
NXCub
Microsoft Flight Simulator · Released
MSFS 2024XCub
Microsoft Flight Simulator · Released
XCub
Microsoft Flight Simulator · Released
MSFS 2020XCub
Microsoft Flight Simulator · Released
XCub
Microsoft Flight Simulator · Released
MSFS 2020NXCub
Microsoft Flight Simulator · Released
NXCub
Microsoft Flight Simulator · Released
Manuals & resources
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Choose a topic for a short introduction and a link to the original source. Simulator references identify the developer and edition they cover.
Pilot account
A solo introduction ends on a small grass stripAOPA · June 2016. Third factory XCub, still in its initial flight-test period; solo flight from Yakima. Randy Lervold provided the briefing on the ground.
Hirschman climbed into the XCub over a large tundra tyre and found a cockpit with a particularly good view. The aircraft was still completing its initial flight-test hours, so this introduction had to be solo. Once airborne from Yakima, he enjoyed its energetic climb and crisp responses, with the surrounding landscape adding to the pleasure of learning a new aircraft. A visit to the little grass strip at Buena supplied a different kind of impression.
Dave Hirschman
AOPA · Read the source ↗A firm touchdown reveals one of the changesfliegermagazin · August 2016 issue. Early XCub evaluation, with manufacturer comments from Randy Lervold; configuration predates the later 215-hp amphibian.
Bertorelli arrived firmly enough to produce a small bounce, giving him an immediate subject for discussion with Randy Lervold. The landing gear was one of several departures from the traditional Cub arrangement. In the cockpit, he also noticed how the improved view over the nose could briefly make level flight feel like a descent. The cabin supplied more comfortable discoveries.
Paul Bertorelli
fliegermagazin · Read the source ↗Read the original documentation from the people who created it. Manuals open on their publisher’s website.
Manual
Microsoft Flight Simulator aircraft manualsMicrosoft / aircraft developersAircraft background
CubCrafters CC19 XCubWikipedia contributors · Research background · Wikipedia revision 1170132468 · retrieved 2026-09-12Resource
MSFS 2024 FAQ and edition aircraft inventoryMicrosoft MSFS 2020 FAQ and edition aircraft inventoryMicrosoftType designator
ICAO Doc 8643 — aircraft type designatorsInternational Civil Aviation Organization · Public search data retrieved 2026-09-14; authority update 2026-09-03Built-in force-feedback profiles
Read the documentary basis, editable starting settings and remaining questions for the aircraft you fly. Each explanation refers to the exact profile revision shown.
Catalogue programme-20261022-v1 · 6 profile choices
CubCrafters XCub (wheels)
Free and Pro · Revision 2 · Partial review
MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024
CubCrafters XCub (wheels): Pushrod ailerons and reported light lateral effort shape the XCub's roll balance.
CubCrafters XCub (floats)
Free and Pro · Revision 1 · Partial review
MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024
CubCrafters XCub (floats): Pushrod ailerons and reported light lateral effort shape the XCub's roll balance.
CubCrafters NXCub (nosewheel)
Free and Pro · Revision 1 · Partial review
MSFS 2024 · MSFS 2020
CubCrafters NXCub (nosewheel): Pushrod ailerons and reported light lateral effort shape the XCub's roll balance.
CubCrafters XCub (skis)
Free and Pro · Revision 1 · Partial review
MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024
CubCrafters XCub (skis): Pushrod ailerons and reported light lateral effort shape the XCub's roll balance.
CubCrafters XCub
Free and Pro · Revision 4 · Partial review
MSFS 2024 · MSFS 2020
Mechanical stick controls with pitch-trim relief, airspeed-dependent resistance and low-speed flap cues.
Got Friends MonsterNX Cub
Got Friends · Free and Pro · Revision 2 · Inherited starting point
MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024
A modern utility single whose family includes both tailwheel and nosewheel configurations.
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