Zivko Edge 540 vs Zivko Edge 540t vs Extra Aircraft Extra Ng
The Zivko Edge 540 and 540T are single-seat, purpose-built aerobatic competition aircraft, while the Extra Aircraft Extra NG is also a dedicated aerobatic performer but is marketed with more emphasis on “next‑generation” refinement and broad competition/show use. In category terms, all three sit firmly in the high‑performance aerobatic/sport class rather than cross‑country touring aircraft, with designs optimized for extreme maneuvering over efficiency. Passenger capacity is essentially the same where it matters: the Edge 540 is single-seat, the Edge 540T is also typically configured as a single-seat aerobatic racer, and the Extra NG is likewise a single-seat aerobatic aircraft. Range is the least meaningful discriminator because all three prioritize aerobatic performance over endurance. In general use, each offers only modest cross‑country capability, with practical range varying significantly by fuel fit, power setting, and whether the aircraft is flown in transit or in aerobatic profiles. Broadly speaking, none is intended for long-range travel; they are best compared on aerobatic performance rather than distance.
| Spec | Extra Aircraft Extra NG | 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 NG | Edge 540 | Edge 540T |
| Certification | EASA Certified | Experimental | Experimental |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 694 | 630 | 631 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin 3X Touch | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 202 | 200 | 200 |
| Cabin | |||
| Total Seats | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Configuration | Tandem | — | Tandem |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | No | No | No |
| Model | AEIO-580-B1A | IO-540EXP | AEIO-540-EXP |
| Fuel Type | AvGas | AvGas | AvGas |
| TBO (hrs) | 1400 | 1400 | 1800 |
| Horsepower | 315 | 310 | 327 |
| Fuel Delivery | Fuel Injected | Fuel Injected | Fuel Injected |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | 51.0 | — | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 51.8 | 61.5 | 61.5 |
| Fuel Capacity - Aero (gal) | 19.3 | 17.5 | 17.5 |
| TBO (yrs) | — | 12 | 12 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 23.3 | 20.59 | 25.83 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 27.2 | 24.33 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 8.3 | 7.75 | 7.75 |