Lighter, Faster Airframe Convinces Mike Goulian To Change Planes

Talk about some fast company... at a Thursday media event at AirVenture 2006, Extra Aircraft unveiled its latest super-quick and nimble aerobatic plane... the new 300SHP, an upgrade to the world-renowned 300S model.

"To achieve the large performance increase desired, we had to refine every last item in the aircraft, with the intent of lightening the plane without sacrificing the strength of the machine. We take pride in the fact that an Extra has never suffered a structural in-flight failure," said Walter Extra, founder of Extra Aircraft.

In addition to a 100-pound diet, Extra said his company moved the CG aft for increased maneuverability and decreased stability -- traits desirable in a high-performance aerobatic airplane.

US Aerobatic Champion and airshow pilot Michael Goulian, who collaborated with Extra on the design, has this to say: "This aircraft will be a supreme performer in the aerobatic and airshow world. I am looking forward to seeing just what this baby can do."

The 300SHP also sports the first engine out of Lycoming's new Thunderbolt engine program, which was first announced at Lakeland earlier this year. The cowling of Goulian’s one-of-a-kind EA-300SHP will harness a 350HP Thunderbolt, Reno 580 engine.

Changes to the cowling distinguish the 300SHP from its "lesser" brethren. It's tail has been completely redesigned, as well, with an eye toward creating spectacular tumbling figures for the pilots capable of such maneuvers.

FMI: www.extraaircraft.net