Extra EA-300

EA300
Extra 300L
General information
Type	Aerobatic monoplane
National origin	Germany
Manufacturer	Extra Flugzeugbau
Designer	Walter Extra
Status	Active
History
Manufactured	1988-present
First flight	May 1988

The Extra Flugzeugbau EA300 is a two-seat aerobatic monoplane capable of Unlimited category competition. It was designed in 1987 by Walter Extra, a German aerobatic pilot, and built by Extra Flugzeugbau.

Design and development

Design of the Extra 300 was based on the Extra 230, an early 1980s monoplane having a wing made of wood. The Extra 300 has a welded steel tube fuselage covered in aluminium and fabric. The midset wing has a carbon fiber composite spar and carbon composite skins. ^[1] A symmetrical airfoil, mounted with a zero angle of incidence, provides equal performance in both upright and inverted flight. The landing gear is fixed taildragger style with composite main legs and fiberglass wheel pants. The powerplant is a fuel-injected Lycoming AEIO-540 which produces 220 kW (300 hp). ^[2]

The first two-seat Extra 300 made its maiden flight on 6 May 1988, with German type certification following on 16 May 1990. The single-seat Extra 300S flew on 4 March 1992. ^[1]

The Extra 300 is stressed for ±10 G with one person on board and ±8 G with two. Some Extra 300s are registered in the experimental category under a Special Certificate of Airworthiness in the U.S., while others are type certified in the aerobatic category. ^[3]

An Extra 300L flying near Perth, Western Australia

An Extra 300S belonging to Patty Wagstaff: This image shows well the zero-incidence and zero-dihedral wing, used rarely but useful in an aerobatic aircraft.

The wing of the Extra 300L is set lower on the fuselage

An Extra 300 of the Royal Jordanian Falcons display team taxis for takeoff.

The Northern Lights in formation

Maintenance and operating costs

The Extra EA-300 series, widely used in aerobatic training and competition, has maintenance and operational requirements consistent with its high-performance design.

Regular inspections are mandated to ensure continued airworthiness. A 50-hour inspection typically includes checks on the elevator trim system, while a 1,000-hour inspection involves detailed evaluations of trim tab hinges and actuator levers for wear or damage. ^[4]

Operating costs include both fixed and variable expenses. The average variable operating cost is approximately US$152.50 per flight hour, including fuel, oil, maintenance, and overhaul reserves. ^[5] Fuel consumption is typically 62 L (16.5 US gal) per hour ,

Variants

300

Original two-seat version ^[6]

300S

The 300S is a single-seat version, with a wingspan reduced by 50 cm (19+1⁄2 in), and fitted with larger ailerons. ^{[1] [6]}

300SP

The 300SP is a performance version of the 300S single-seater. Weight was reduced, and the tail of the 330SX installed. ^[7] It is discontinued, being replaced by the 330SC.

300SHP

The 300SHP (HP = high performance) is an uncertified version of the 300SP with a Lycoming AEIO-580 engine. ^[8]

300SR

The Extra 300SR is a modified aircraft using a specially designed high-lift wing for the Red Bull Air Race World Series. ^[9]

300L

The Extra 300L is a Lycoming AEIO-540-powered two-seat aircraft, with low-mounted wing and shorter fuselage. ^[6] More of these two-seater variants have been produced than any other model. Its wing is mounted at the bottom of the fuselage, with its span reduced from 7.9 to 7.3 m (26 to 24 ft). Improved ailerons boost the 300L's roll rate to 400° per second. All 300Ls are fully certified under FAA and European Joint Aviation Authorities regulations. ^[10]

300LP

The 300LP (P = performance) is a reduced-weight version of the 300L, redesigned for better performance in competitions and airshows. ^[8]

330LC

The Extra 330LC (C = carbon) is a refined version of the 330L, with more extensive use of carbon fiber materials, especially in the fuselage and wings. It boasts a top speed of 407 km/h; 220 kn (253 mph) and a ±10 G load factor. ^[11]

330LX

The Extra 330LX is a high-performance, two-seat aerobatic aircraft powered by a 315 horsepower Lycoming AEIO-580-B1A engine. Designed for advanced aerobatic training and competition, it features a tandem seating arrangement, carbon fiber wing assembly with integral tanks, and a carbon composite empennage structure. The fuselage is constructed from 1.7734 steel, and the aircraft is equipped with a Muehlbauer MTV 9-B-C/C198-25 three-blade propeller. The 330LX offers exceptional aerobatic performance, making it a preferred choice for serious competition pilots and airshow performers. ^[12]

330LT

The Extra 330LT is a Lycoming AEIO-580 powered two-seat aircraft, adapted for touring. It has an EFIS cockpit and a reduced roll rate in comparison with the 330LX. ^[13]

330LE

The Extra 330LE is a one-seat aircraft powered by an electric engine made by Siemens, delivering 260 kW (350 hp), for 50 kg. On Thursday, March 23, 2017, the Extra 330LE set two new speed records, said Siemens : "At the Dinslaken Schwarze Heide airfield in Germany, the electric aircraft reached a top speed of around 340 km/h (180 kn; 210 mph) over a distance of 3 km (1.9 mi). On Friday, March 24, 2017, the Extra 330LE gave another premiere performance by becoming the world's first electric aircraft to tow a glider into the sky". ^[14]

330SC

The Extra 330SC is a Lycoming AEIO-580-powered single-seat aircraft with improved roll rate and easier roll stops, designed specifically for unlimited category competition. ^[15]

330SX

A development of the 330SC that was first flown in early July 2023, with first deliveries scheduled for 2024. Powered by a Lycoming AEIO-580 engine, it has one seat with a wider cockpit, shorter fuselage, a redesigned cowling, improved control stick clearance and increased headroom over the 330SC. ^[16]

Operators

Civilian

• Aviation Performance Solutions is the largest user of Extra 300Ls, with a fleet of eight aircraft used for upset prevention and recovery training (UPRT) in the United States at its bases in Mesa, Arizona and Arlington, Texas. ^{[17] [18]}
• The Blades private aerobatic team displays at air shows in Britain using a team of four Extra 300LPs. It offers passenger flights to members of the public and aerobatic training for pilots. ^[19]
• Patty Wagstaff has flown the Extra 230, 260, and various models of the 300 in aerobatic competitions and airshows since the mid-1980s. ^[20]
• Aeroclubul României  [ ro ] operates eight Extra 300 aircraft, of which three are SC versions and five are L versions. ^{[21] [22]} They are mainly used for aerobatic flights under the Hawks of Romania team name at various public events.
• Sky Combat Ace, a U.S.-based aviation adventure company, operates a fleet of Extra 330LC aircraft to offer civilian customers aerobatic flight experiences, including air combat simulations and stunt flying, under the supervision of FAA-certified flight instructors. ^[11]

Military operators

  Chile

• Chilean Air Force – The Escuadrilla de Alta Acrobacia Halcones ("Chilean Air force High Aerobatics Squadron, called "Hawks") has used the 300L variant since 2003.

  France

• French Air and Space Force

  Jordan

• Royal Jordanian Air Force
  • The Royal Jordanian Falcons, the aerobatic demonstration team of Royal Jordanian Airlines and the official national aerobatic team of Jordan, perform in a formation of four Extra 300s.

  Malaysia

• The Kris Sakti, the Royal Malaysian Air Force aerobatic demonstration team

Specifications (EA-330LT)

Data from EXTRA 330LT ^[23]

General characteristics

• Crew: 1 or 2
• Length: 7.01 m (23 ft 0 in)
• Wingspan: 8 m (26 ft 3 in)
• Height: 2.6 m (8 ft 6 in)
• Wing area: 10.84 m² (116.7 sq ft)
• Airfoil:root: MA 15S ; tip: MA 12S ^[24]
• Empty weight: 677 kg (1,493 lb) typ. equipped
• Gross weight: 950 kg (2,094 lb) normal category (+6/-3g)
• Max takeoff weight: 820 kg (1,808 lb) single-pilot acro (+10/-10g)
• Fuel capacity: 209 L / 55,2 gal (usable)
• Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming AEIO-580-B1A 6-cylinder air-cooled horizontally-opposed piston engine, 235 kW (315 hp)
• Propellers: 3-bladed Muehlbauer MTV 9-B-C/C198-25

Performance

• Cruise speed: 380 km/h (236 mph, 205 kn) TAS
• Stall speed: 110 km/h (69 mph, 60 kn) at 820 kg / 1,808 lbs
• Never exceed speed: 410 km/h (250 mph, 220 kn)
• g limits: +10/-10g at 820 kg / 1,808 lbs

See also

Related development

• Extra 200

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

• Corvus Racer 540
• Mudry CAP 230
• MX Aircraft MX2
• Sukhoi Su-26
• Sukhoi Su-29
• Sukhoi Su-31
• Rihn DR-109
• XtremeAir Sbach 342 (XA 42)
• Zivko Edge 540
• Zlín Z-50

References

Notes

1. Lambert 1993, p. 100.
2. "Extra 300L". Air Combat Museum. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
3. Wagstaff, Patty (2009). "Ask the Expert". Archived from the original on 10 February 2009. Retrieved 3 January 2009.
4. "AAIB Investigation to Extra EA 300L, G-ZXEL" (PDF). Air Accidents Investigation Branch (UK). April 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
5. "EXTRA EA 300L – Specifications, Performance, Operating Cost". Planephd.com. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
6. Taylor 1999, p. 426.
7. "EA-300SP". Extra Aircraft. 2009. Archived from the original on 8 July 2008. Retrieved 3 January 2009.
8. "Extra Flugzeugbau - Most Successful Aerobatic Aircraft in Recent Years". Flightline Weekly. 23 April 2019. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
9. "Why Extra 300 is the Best Aerobatic Aircraft?". Infinity Aerobatics. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
10. "Ramp Appeal: Extra 300L". AOPA. 1 January 2021. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
11. "Fly an Extra 330 Stunt Plane". Sky Combat Ace. Sky Combat Ace. Retrieved 15 April 2025.
12. "Extra 330LX". Extra Aircraft. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
13. "Flight test: Extra 330LT". Pilot. 11 July 2014. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
14. "World-record electric motor for aircraft sets new records - Siemens Global Website". Archived from the original on 6 April 2017. Retrieved 6 April 2017.
15. "Extra 330SC". Extra Aircraft. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
16. O'Connor, Kate (10 July 2023). "Extra Unveils 330SX". AVweb. Archived from the original on 11 July 2023. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
17. Huber, Mark (2 November 2016). "Bombardier Teams with APS on Upset Recovery Course". Aviation International News. Archived from the original on 6 August 2018. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
18. "Aviation Performance Solutions LLC | International Aerobatic Club". www.iac.org. International Aerobatic Club. Archived from the original on 6 August 2018. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
19. The Blades Archived 2009-04-10 at the Wayback Machine official website.
20. "Biography – Patty Wagstaff". p. 1. Archived from the original on 3 March 2009. Retrieved 28 February 2009.
21. Autoritatea Aeronautică Civilă Română (19 July 2021). "Operatori Aerieni Români Certificaţi/Autorizaţi" (PDF). caa.ro. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 August 2021. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
22. "Aeroclubul Romaniei".
23. "EXTRA 330LT". Extra Flugzeugproduktions - und Vertriebs - GmbH.
24. Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.

Bibliography

• Lambert, Mark. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993–94. Coulsdon, UK:Jane's Data Division, 1993. ISBN   0-7106-1066-1.
• Taylor, Michael. Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000. London:Brassey's, 1999. 1 85753 245 7.

External links

• EA-300LP company page
• Walkaround Extra 330LC from Borki airfield, Russia