Story ID: 005
Extra Aircraft Unveils 330NG
By: James Wynbrandt
Caption: All-composite two-place aerobatic aircraft has notched two sales since arriving in the U.S. just days ago
Word Count: 210
Aerobatic aircraft manufacturer Extra Aircraft introduced on Monday at EAA AirVenture the Extra NG (New-Generation) two-place tandem, featuring an all-composite base airframe—a first for aerobatic aircraft, according to the German company.
“We have achieved the most advanced and comfortable cockpit, the most responsive and harmonious controls ever, and a sleek new look,” company founder Walter Extra said in unveiling the +10g/-10g aircraft. Extra noted he flew his first international aerobatic competition at Oshkosh in 1980. “It’s a big honor to be back here,” he said. 
Five years in development, the NG is available now, with FAA certification expected in August or September. Two NGs have been sold in the five days since the aircraft arrived in the U.S., he said. With the airplane's true airspeed of 202 knots, “You can go cross-country, but my soul is aerobatic,” Extra added.
Powered by a Lycoming AEIO-580-B1 315—“It’s state-of-the-art when it comes to aerobatic applications,” Extra said—the NG has a leather interior and Garmin G3X Touch glass panel. Distributed in the U.S. by Southeast Aero, the Extra line includes the 300SC, which has captured six world championships in the unlimited single-seat category in the last decade.