PA-18 Super Cub just set a new altitude record

[GrauGeist]

As the title says, a PA-18 Super Cub (N14UL) just set a world record for altitude (in it's class), reaching 37,609 feet!

The previous record was set in 1951, reaching 30,203 feet.

I can't link the ATC traffic, but the pilots of heavies nearby were amazed when they found out what it was.

Here's a page with more info:
PRESS RELEASE - Carbon Cub UL Soars to Record Altitude of 37,609 ft - CubCrafters

 

[smutny]

I know I'm being nitpicky, but.... The Carbon Cub UL is hardly a PA-18. The wrapper may look similar, but what's inside is very different. Especially under the cowl. This one sports the Rotax 916iS, a turbocharged engine.

The offerings by Cubcrafters and American Legend are Cub's in name only.

 

[GrauGeist]

I know I'm being nitpicky, but.... The Carbon Cub UL is hardly a PA-18. The wrapper may look similar, but what's inside is very different. Especially under the cowl. This one sports the Rotax 916iS, a turbocharged engine.

The offerings by Cubcrafters and American Legend are Cub's in name only.

This may be true, but this was using an airframe that is identical to the PA-18-150 along with non-stock bush tires.

Also taking into consideration that at that altitude, there is not going to be much lift to maintain stable flight.

The 1951 record was set by a former WASP, Caro Bosca, who flew her PA-18 (I beleive it was a dash 125) to the above mentioned 30,203 feet.

 

[smutny]

Not trying to take away from either accomplishment. But it's pretty clear that we strive for aircraft accuracy on this site.

The Carbon Cub has a wider fuselage than the PA-18, lighter materials and other engineering differences.

I own a PA-11, flown most of the Piper Cub variants as well as a Carbon Cub and American Legend Cubs. There are noticeable differences between them. Just saying.