Patty Wagstaff became the first woman to win the U.S. National Aerobatic Championship with this aircraft in 1991, and again in 1992. The Extra 260 is a one-of-a kind aircraft created by Walter Extra. This hand-built aircraft, first flown in 1986, is recognized for its beauty, high performance, and maneuverability. It can roll 360 degrees per second and climb vertically 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) per minute. It is a successful blend of traditional and high-technology construction: steel-tube fuselage, wood wings, and composite horizontal and vertical tail surfaces and landing gear. In addition, the wing features an almost full-length, carbon fiber aileron.

Wagstaff earned her private pilot license in 1979 and was a six-time member of the U.S. Aerobatic Team until her retirement from competition in 1996. Today, Wagstaff is a premier aerobatic pilot in air shows throughout the United States, performing dynamic and precise routines in her Extra 300S, in which she won her third U.S. Aerobatic Championship title in 1993.

Display Status

This object is on display in West End at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

West End

Panoramas

Object Details

Key Accomplishment(s)

First Female U.S. National Aerobatic Champion

Brief Description

Patty Wagstaff became the first woman to win the U.S. National Aerobatic Championship with this aircraft in 1991 and again in 1992. The Extra 260 is a one-of-a kind aircraft. Created by Walter Extra, it's recognized for its beauty, high performance, and maneuverability.

Date

1985-1993

Country of Origin

Federal Republic of Germany

Type

CRAFT-Aircraft

Manufacturer

Extra-Flugzeugbau GmbH, Federal Republic of Germany

Pilot

Patty Wagstaff

Designer

Walter Extra, Germany

Physical Description

Aerobatic monoplane designed by Walter Extra; white with blue and red trim and sponsor logos; Textron Lycoming AEIO-540-D4A6 engine; MT 4 blade propeller.

Dimensions

Wingspan: 7.6 meters (24 ft. 9 in)
Length: 6 meters (20 ft.)
Height: 1.8 meters (6 ft.)
Weight, Empty: 522 kg (1,150 lb.)
Weight, Gross: 778 kg (1,713 lb )
Top Speed: 405 km/h (220 kts/h -253mph))
Engine: Textron Lycoming AEIO-540-D4A5 238 kW (320hp)

Materials

Airframe - steel tube
Empennage - composite
Fuselage skin - Ceconite
Wing - Polish pine, plywood, covered with Ceconite
Aileron - carbon fiber
Canopy - Plexiglas

Alternate Name

Extra 260

Inventory Number

A19930401000

Credit Line

Gift of Katherine Hall Wagstaff in memory of Robert W. Wagstaff

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

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