For a while, CARF-Models cooperated with PAU-Performance Aircraft Unlimited. At that time, the foundation was laid for a breathtaking twist of the PAU Extra 330LX 2.6m in All-Composite. Soon, the cooperation went bust due to quality issues with the Chinese manufacturer that couldn't be overcome, but the All-Composite version was there to stay. And what a monster we had created. Even more so than our 3m version, the CARF-Models 330LX 2.6m defies gravity and inertia, surpassing all expectations.
Is the world finally ready for an ultra-performing ALL COMPOSITE 100” (2.6m) 3D aerobatic plane? It’s a good question. We at CARF-Models think: Yes, the world is ready! If you agree, read further and act soon...
Please welcome CARF's all new Extra 330LX 2.6m. Witness a unique marriage of two success stories, where the most successful design elements of the 100” PAU Extra 330LX were fused with the world leading composite technology of CARF-Models for a stunning result!
Not only did our talented CARF Team Members have a lot of input in the aerodynamic and structural design. A wealth of their flight testing went into the prototypes, too. Uncompromising fine tuning resulted in perfection after all. Teamwork was truly DREAM WORK in this case. A perfect example of paying forward and reaping success. We couldn’t be happier presenting another milestone in Model Aviation: The CARF-Models Extra 330LX 2.6m.
Features
No other construction method will create more strength and stiffness at the lowest possible weight. However, with all the added strength, in the past CARF-Models aerobatic designs, we were not able to beat the weight advantage of their wooden counterparts. With this 2.6m Extra 330LX, it's different. The same weight at twice the stiffness and strength—that really is the new benchmark in this field.
Fuselage
The control surfaces are center hinged, the sealed bevels are precisely designed for the desired deflections of 38 degree aileron and 55 degree elevator and rudder. Servos are ganged where needed. They are installed close to the CG of the aircraft. The composite design gives a huge advantage in surface quality and structural integrity of the parts. Carbon reinforcements are placed exactly where they are needed, and unidirectional carbon in spars directs the fibers exactly in the load direction—not a single gram is wasted. The canopy opening is cross-braced so that the canopy can be attached with a single bolt. All parts are strictly weight controlled and documented in individual QC sheets.
The total weight and the concentration of the heavier components within close range of the CG make a big difference. All servos are within 10" (25cm) of the CG. That can only be reached by ganging two aileron servos and mounting them into the wing root, using a pushrod for the elevator and a pull/pull cable for rudder control. Batteries are within reach in the canopy area as well.
A pushrod for elevator control eliminates the need to install heavy servos in the tail, thus we were able to achieve the required CG position at a very competitive weight.
Engine Choice
The thrust lines are molded into the motor dome and firewall. A DA-120 will mount with 1" (25mm) spacers right on. A fully separate compartment for the canisters makes it easy to comply with your flying field's noise regulations without compromise.
A single piece carbon landing gear is not bolted but clamped to the fuselage. It's designed as a sandwich double-T bar with foam cores and hard points where needed. The wheel pants and gear cuffs interconnect with the gear in a form-fitting way.
For our Extra330LX 2.6m,, we offer a wide range of accessories. These include DA Engines, fuel tank, smoke tank, zimmermann exhausts and more. In addition, we offer high-quality MacGregor servos in combination with our very own CARF-Models servo arms – perfectly matched to the model and the demands of a high-performance aerobatic plane.
Like all our airplanes, the Extra330LX 2.6m is no different. They boast meticulously applied PU paintwork, expertly executed in the molds. Explore a gallery of our stunning paint schemes in our shop, showcasing a collection of past projects, some of which were crafted to match unique customer requests. If you're seeking a personalized touch, we offer color swaps and completely custom designs developed through collaborative efforts between you and our skilled artists. Below are our Standard Schemes and a few standout examples:
The masterpiece in its class - the Extra really is a game changer and without discussion the most powerful composite plane out there. I was lucky to be part of this project since the first plane popped out of the molds. From assembling to testing the prototype, did some adjustments here and there and here we go. Precise, aggressive and meanwhile a full composite framed freestyle plane... I absolutly love my purple monster equipped with Mac Gregor servos, Jeti Power Supply and a legendary DA-120!
Max Chrubasik (Team & Factory Pilot)
My Extra 330LX by Carf Model is my all-time favorite 3D aerobatic plane, it is indeed a game changer to the evolution of modern 3D aerobatic airplanes. I have never seen such remarkable aviation engineering and innovative design, the planes' internal composition and external aesthetics resulting to a remarkable flying machine! I am amazed how smooth, slow to fast and hardcore high G aerobatic maneuvers are performed with grace and precision. There are no words to express how much I love this plane!
Manu Bangpoongsa, Thailand (Customer)
This 2.6 Extra 330LX is an amazing new design from the Carf team. My first impression of flying this plane is feeling how stiff and precise the aircraft is. This allows for an incredible locked in feel, with zero flex or twist to the aircraft. I believe this to be the most aggressive and durable freestyle airplane in the market. When paired with a DA-120 on Zimmermann canisters, it stays quiet while making tons of power. The MacGregor MACB8555 servos also make the airplane very precise and reliable. The plane is guided by a Futaba 32MZ with a DLPH-2 and thunderpower batteries. This quickly became my favorite freestyle plane!
Dean Lampron, USA (Team Pilot)
The new CARF Extra brings a modern design into the world of high class composite aerobatic planes resulting in an longlasting Extra on the highest available flight standards. You don’t need to choose between the state of the art or a high class long-lasting plane anymore.
Marius Euteneier, Germany (Team Pilot)
The CARF-Models Extra 330LX is a true success. It combines great flying characteristics with the pro's of a full composite airframe. The tail authority is unbeatable. Crazy tumbling maneuvers are possible with ease. In conclusiion it is just an amazing airplane which I don't want to miss in my hangar.
Lars Rößling, Germany (Team Pilot)
![]() |
102" (2600 mm) |
|
99" (2520 mm) |
|
28 - 29 Lbs (12.8 - 13.3 kg) dry |
|
120-130 cc |
|
8 high power digital servos (38-50 kg/cm) |