Extra EA 500

The high-speed composite single designed for executive travel

Overview

Extra Germany 2004–Present $1.9 million

The Extra EA 500 was a six-seat composite single-engine aircraft developed for high-speed personal transport. Designed in Germany, it combined sleek aerodynamics with pressurization for enhanced comfort. The program aimed to compete in the premium piston aircraft market.

Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Rolls-Royce 250-B17F/2
Engine type
Turboprop
Power
450 shp · 336 kW
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
5
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
—
Tail height
—
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
—
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
10,400 lb  ·  4,700 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
1,600 lb  ·  750 kg
Fuel capacity
Max cruise speed
226 kt  ·  260 mph  ·  419 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
—
Fuel burn
21.38 nm/gal  ·  10.46 km/L
Ceiling
—
Rate of climb
—
Takeoff distance
1,250 ft  ·  380 m
Landing distance
920 ft  ·  280 m
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Operational Context

Extra EA 500 — pressurized composite touring aircraft

The EA 500 program began in the early 2000s as Extra Aircraft sought to expand beyond aerobatic designs into the touring segment. The prototype first flew in 2002, and certification followed later in the decade. The aircraft featured composite construction and a pressurized cabin uncommon among piston singles.

Powered by a Continental TSIO-550 engine producing approximately 350 horsepower, the EA 500 cruises at around 185 knots (345 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is about 4,000 pounds (1,815 kg). The aircraft typically seats up to six occupants and offers a range of roughly 1,000 nautical miles (1,850 km) depending on configuration.

Despite its advanced design, production numbers remained limited. Economic conditions and market competition constrained widespread adoption. The EA 500 remains a notable attempt to blend pressurization, speed, and composite construction in a piston-powered touring aircraft.