Fri, Jul 28, 2006
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.
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