For a long time, Walter Extra steered clear of developing an aerobatic aircraft made from carbon fiber, understanding its limitations in terms of residual strength following extreme loads—such as those from impact. But when a concept came to him that would allow the design to capitalize on the material’s strengths, he dove into development of the aircraft unveiled on Monday, July 22, at AirVenture, the Extra NG.
Powered by a Lycoming AEIO-580 B1A 315 hp, 6-cylinder engine, the new design makes leaps forward not only in the balance between controllability and stability, but also in cockpit ergonomics. Says Extra, “It makes the pilot feel good,” with additional elbow room and comfortable positioning.
Building on the Extra Aircraft philosophy that the pilots should only need to put fuel in, check the oil, and stick to a 50-hour inspection program, the company intends to continue the high-end customer support that it has provided through the years, via dealers such as Southeast Aero, based in St. Augustine, Florida.
With lines from Modena, Italy-based industrial design firm Aircraft Studio Design, the airplane hits high notes from an aesthetic perspective as well. Certification under EASA will come first, and is expected in the coming weeks. Following that milestone, Extra will import the NG for flight under Experimental/Exhibition status until FAA certification in the Aerobatic category is achieved. Price during AirVenture 2019 is $420,000; price reverts to $450,000 after the show.