Extra Aircraft Extra 300 Lp vs Zivko Edge 540 vs Zivko Edge 540t
The Extra Aircraft Extra 300 LP and the Zivko Edge 540 are single-seat, purpose-built aerobatic competition aircraft, so their category is best described as aerobatic/sport (not cross-country touring). The Zivko Edge 540T is a two-seat aerobatic variant aimed more at dual instruction, training, and airshow demonstration while retaining a high-performance aerobatic category. In passenger capacity, the Extra 300 LP and Edge 540 each carry one person total (pilot only), whereas the Edge 540T carries two people (pilot plus one passenger or student), making it the only option of the three suitable for instruction or giving rides. On range, all three have relatively limited endurance compared with typical general aviation travelers because they prioritize power-to-weight, roll rate, and structural capability over fuel capacity. In general terms, the Extra 300 LP is often regarded as having a somewhat more practical cross-country range than the single-seat Edge 540, while the Edge 540T’s range is typically in a similar “short to moderate” aerobatic mission band, varying notably with fuel fit, power settings, and aerobatic vs cruise operation.
| Spec | Extra Aircraft Extra 300 LP | Zivko Edge 540 | Zivko Edge 540T |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Total Seats | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Extra Aircraft | Zivko | Zivko |
| Aircraft Name | Extra 330 LP | Edge 540 | Edge 540T |
| Certification | Experimental | Experimental | Experimental |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 640 | 630 | 631 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 190 | 200 | 200 |
| Cabin | |||
| Total Seats | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Configuration | Tandem | — | Tandem |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | No | No | No |
| Model | AEIO-540-L1B5 | IO-540EXP | AEIO-540-EXP |
| Fuel Type | AvGas | AvGas | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 1400 | 1400 | 1800 |
| Horsepower | 300 | 310 | 327 |
| Fuel Delivery | Fuel Injected | Fuel Injected | Fuel Injected |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | 49.4 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 49.9 | 61.5 | 61.5 |
| Fuel Capacity - Aero (gal) | 17.7 | 17.5 | 17.5 |
| TBO (yrs) | — | 12 | 12 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 22.7 | 20.59 | 25.83 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 26.3 | 24.33 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 8.5 | 7.75 | 7.75 |