Extra shows off new 330SX aerobatic star

Extra Aircraft has revealed a new aircraft, the 330SX, “a true evolution of our proven eight-time world championship winning Extra 330SC,” said Extra.

“We’ve also taken feedback from our pilots and owners to evolve the platform to make sure we continue to be at the leading edge of performance and ergonomics.

“The result is improved agility and crisp control feel that ensures the Extra 330SX will continue our track record of being at the top of the score sheets at a world competition level while also delivering awe inspiring freestyle performances on the air show stage!”

Ailerons have been ‘enhanced’ for faster roll rate and crisper stops

Extra has been facing increased competition for aircraft sales from Game Composites and its GB1 GameBird two-seater. In 2022, Extra delivered 25 aircraft and Game Composites 23. In Q1 of this year, both companies delivered 6 aircraft each. Figures from GAMA.

See also: FLYER’s flight test of the Extra NG

The changes include:

• High performance ailerons to enhance roll rate and deliver crisper stops
• Reduced fuselage length to centralise mass and enhance aircraft agility for all axis
• Wider cockpit with more headroom, increased control stick clearance and Garmin G3X Touch 7in avionics
• Cowling redesign to improve engine cooling through all parts of the flight envelope
• Optimised leading-edge cuff to improve wing sealing.

Extra 330SX cockpit is wider and has a Garmin G3X Touch display. Photos: Extra

Walter Extra, founder of Extra Aircraft, says in the video below that the 330SX is still being tweaked but he hopes to have it ready for the US national aerobatic championships in September.

Extra is taking orders now for deliveries in mid-2024 subject to company flight testing and final EASA approval.  The first 330SX, serial number SX-001, was seen flying at German Nationals in Dinslaken, Germany last week.