The Extra 300 is a high-performance aerobatic aircraft designed by Walter Extra, a renowned German aerobatic pilot. It's known for its agility, power, and capability to perform extreme aerobatic manoeuvres, making it a favourite among airshow performers and competitive aerobatic pilots.

Key Features of the Extra 300

‍Design: The Extra 300 features a low-wing, tandem-seat configuration, built with a combination of composite materials and steel tubing. Its design prioritises strength and lightweight construction.
Performance: Equipped with a Lycoming AEIO-540 engine, the Extra 300 can deliver up to 300 horsepower. It boasts a top speed of around 253 knots (469 km/h) and a climb rate of 3,200 feet per minute.
Manoeuverability: The aircraft is capable of sustaining high G-forces, both positive and negative, which allows it to perform a wide range of aerobatic manoeuvres, including loops, rolls, spins, and hammerheads.

Role in the Pacific Airshow 2023

During the Pacific Airshow 2023 in Surfers Paradise, the Extra 300 was one of the highlights due to its remarkable aerobatic capabilities. The pilots demonstrated various high-energy manoeuvres, captivating the audience with precise and thrilling performances. The aircraft's ability to execute complex routines with grace and precision made it a crowd favourite.

Aerobatic Manoeuvres

The Extra 300's performance at the airshow included a series of aerobatic manoeuvres such as:

Loops and Rolls: Showcasing the aircraft's ability to perform continuous vertical and horizontal rotations.
Cuban Eights: Combining a series of loops and half-rolls to create a figure-eight pattern.
Hammerhead Turns: Executing a vertical climb followed by a pivot and steep dive, demonstrating control and power.
Tail Slides: Climbing vertically until the aircraft stalls and then sliding backward before recovering.

These manoeuvres highlight the precision and skill of the pilots, as well as the robust design and performance capabilities of the Extra 300. The plane's participation in the Pacific Airshow 2023 added excitement and showcased the pinnacle of aerobatic flying to the spectators at Surfers Paradise.