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| Extra 300 | |
|---|---|
| Name | Extra 300 |
| Role | Aerobatic monoplane |
| Manufacturer | Extra Flugzeugproduktions- und Vertriebs GmbH |
| First flight | 1988 |
| Primary users | Civil aerobatic pilots |
Extra 300 The Extra 300 is a two-seat aerobatic monoplane designed for competitive aerobatics and advanced stunt flying, known for its structural strength, roll rate, and agility. Conceived by Walter Extra and produced by Extra Flugzeugbau, the aircraft quickly gained acceptance among championship pilots, airshow performers, and flight teams associated with organizations like Red Bull Air Race World Championship, British Aerobatic Association, and national aviation federations. Its service history spans performances at venues including EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Paris Air Show, Royal International Air Tattoo, and demonstrations with teams tied to sponsors such as Red Bull and manufacturers like Pitts Special rivals.
The design was led by Walter Extra, drawing on influences from constructors such as Custer Channel Wing innovators and engineers linked to Zlin Aircraft and Pitts Special lineage, with inputs from aerobatic champions including Mikhail Mamistov, Kirby Chambliss, Lionel Da Silva, and Jurgis Kairys. Development was supported by suppliers like Lycoming Engines, Sensenich Propeller, and avionics from Garmin, with structural materials sourced via firms analogous to BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce plc (materials division), and composites specialists related to Hexcel. Prototypes underwent testing at aerodromes including Friedrichshafen Airport, Rochester Airport (England), and trials that referenced standards from EASA and Federal Aviation Administration officials. The airframe emphasized a steel tube fuselage, carbon-fiber wings, and systems tailored for pilots affiliated with associations such as FAI and national bodies like Aerobatics Association of Great Britain.
Multiple variants emerged, paralleling model differentiation seen with manufacturers like Sukhoi, Yakolev, and Boeing in other contexts. Notable versions included two-seat trainers used by clubs like Reno Air Racing Association groups, single-seat competition models favored by Fédération Aéronautique Internationale competitors, and custom builds for aerobatic teams similar to Red Bull Air Race Team craft. Upgrades incorporated engines from Lycoming O-360 and alternatives comparable to Continental Motors, Inc. units, propeller options from MT-Propeller and Hartzell Propeller, and avionics suites by Garmin, Aspen Avionics, and suppliers linked to Avidyne. Performance and equipment differences mirror variant practices at firms like Sukhoi Su-26 development teams and Zivko Edge 540 rivals.
The aircraft saw operational use across international aerobatic circuits including competitions in World Aerobatic Championships, European Aerobatic Championships, and festivals at Red Bull Ring venues and airshows such as AirVenture. Pilots from countries represented by federations like Aeroclub of Russia, National Aeronautics and Space Administration-related demonstration programs, and national teams from United States Air Force display affiliations tested airframes in demonstrations alongside performers associated with Patrouille de France style teams, though in civilian contexts. The type was exported to operators in United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Brazil, Japan, China, India, South Africa, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Portugal, Ireland, Switzerland, Austria, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Belarus, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Uruguay, Paraguay, Costa Rica, Panama, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, and Malaysia.
Typical specifications cite a top speed and aerobatic envelope comparable to Zivko Edge 540 and Sukhoi Su-31 categories; powerplants typically mirror outputs from Lycoming series engines with horsepower ranges similar to installations on Pitts Special variants. Roll rates, g-limits, climb rates, and wing loading are often measured and published by competition bodies including FAI and event organizers like Red Bull Air Race. Instrumentation packages align with standards deployed by vendors such as Garmin, Aspen Avionics, and Avidyne for precision flying in contests organized by International Aerobatic Club and national federations.
Aircraft of this family were flown to podium finishes at World Aerobatic Championships, British Aerobatic Championships, and national contests administered by bodies like Aerobatics Association of Great Britain and Aeroclub of South Africa. Individual pilots associated with the type achieved notable wins at events hosted by Reno Air Races-style organizers, and exhibition performances at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Farnborough Airshow, and Paris Air Show. Records and accolades connected to pilots and teams have been recognized by institutions such as Fédération Aéronautique Internationale and featured in media outlets covering Red Bull Air Race World Championship competitions.
Civil operators include aerobatic schools operated under national aerobatic organizations like British Aerobatic Association, flight teams sponsored by Red Bull, private owners in clubs tied to Experimental Aircraft Association, and aerobatic display pilots who perform at events organized by Airshows UK and promoters such as Tannkosh. The type is popular with competitive pilots affiliated with International Aerobatic Club, owners' groups in Experimental Aircraft Association chapters, and commercial demonstrators representing suppliers like Lycoming and Hartzell Propeller at trade shows including Farnborough Airshow and Aeroshell Aerobatic Team-style showcases.