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 under due to unresolvable quality issues with the Chinese manufacturer, 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 significant input into the aerodynamic and structural design, but they also contributed a wealth of flight-test data to the prototypes. 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, despite their added strength, CARF-Models' aerobatic designs in the past were unable to overcome 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, 55-degree elevator, and rudder. Servos are ganged where needed. They are installed close to the aircraft's CG. The composite design offers significant advantages 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, allowing attachment 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 in the vicinity 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 also within reach in the canopy area.
A pushrod for elevator control eliminates the need to install heavy servos in the tail; we achieved 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 past projects, some crafted to match unique customer requests. If you're seeking a personalized touch, we offer color swaps and fully custom designs developed in collaboration with our skilled artists. Below are our Standard Schemes and a few standout examples:
The unique design features of this exceptional 2.6m aerobatic aircraft have only one goal: to make it fly better than anything else. It’s designed solely for high-performance aerobatics of all styles, without changing any mechanical or electronic settings. Concentrating all component weight in the CG area creates ultra-powerful tail agility, unprecedented roll rates, and snap/stop characteristics. Due to the ganged servo setup, there is only one linkage per control surface. Servo matching is easy, even outside of the plane, and perfect geometry and symmetry are obtained. The CARF-Models Extra 330LX 2.6m suits 3D and IMAC styles and flies well. It is well-balanced if needed and looks totally out of control when aggressively provoked—only the pilot knows it follows his input.
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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, I made some adjustments here and there, and here we go. Precise, aggressive, and a full composite framed freestyle plane... I absolutely 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 in 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 in a remarkable flying machine! I am amazed at 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 is the most aggressive and durable freestyle airplane on 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 to the world of high-class composite aerobatic planes, resulting in a long-lasting Extra that meets the highest available flight standards. You don’t need to choose between the state-of-the-art and a high-class, long-lasting plane anymore.
Marius Euteneier, Germany
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 conclusion, it is just an amazing airplane that I don't want to miss in my hangar.
Lars Rößling, Germany
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102" (2600 mm) |
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99" (2520 mm) |
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28 - 29 Lbs (12.8 - 13.3 kg) dry |
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120-130 cc |
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8 high power digital servos (38-50 kg/cm) |
