Extra 500
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Extra 500 is an airplane produced by the Extra aircraft company which has been producing aircraft in Germany for 25 years. Started by Walter Extra, the company has been manufacturing aerobatic airplanes almost exclusively with their latest products being the Extra 300 series. This changed when the company introduced the Extra 400. This was a cross country airplane with many exclusive features including carbon fiber construction, pressurized cabin, high strut less wing, and seating for six. Despite the capabilities of the airplane its $1 Million dollar cost and a weak market saw slow sales. The Extra 500 was introduced as an upgraded version of the 400 with the piston engine replaced by a Rolls Royce turboprop making 450 horsepower and driving a 5 bladed propeller. Walter Extra flew the first 500 from Germany to Oshkosh, Wisconsin to illustrate its range and capabilities. Unfortunately, the costs of development doomed the company and it was forced into bankruptcy.
With new ownership, the company continues to produce the Extra 300 range of aerobatic aircraft and have announced plans to produce the Extra 500 for the United States market. As of this writing the company has 24 orders for the plane and it has achieved European certification. The company expects US certification in 2007 and will begin deliveries to US customers in 2008.
| Performance Figures | |
|---|---|
| Useful Load | 1,610 lbs/ 730 kg |
| Range (plus reserve) | 1,600 nm |
| Rate of Climb (@ MTOW-ISA) | 1,335 fpm |
| Mid-weight Cruise Speed/Endurance @ 90% Power, Best Power | 226 KTAS/ 4.2 hr |
| 12,000 ft |
|
| 227 pph/ 34 gph/ 127 Lph |
|
| @ 40% Power, Best Economy | 173 KTAS/ 9.6 hr |
| Aeronautics | 25,000 ft |
| 105 pph/ 16 gph/ 59 Lph |
|
| Take-off Distance, Ground Roll (@ MTOW-ISA S.L.) | 1,250 ft/ 381 m |
| Take-off Distance Over 50 ft Obstacle (@ MTOW-ISA S.L.) | 2,050 ft/ 625 m |
| Landing Distance Over 50 ft Obstacle (@ MTOW-ISA S.L.) | 2,050 ft/ 625 m |
| Landing Distance, Ground Roll (@ MTOW-ISA S.L.) | 919 ft/ 280 m |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft |
| Cabin Altitude @ FL250 | 8,000 ft |
| Demonstrated Crosswind Component | 20 KTAS |
