Development and Design Philosophy
The XA-42 emerged from the innovative mind of Philipp Steinbach, working alongside Albert Mylius, who initially conceived the design in Speyer, Germany, in 2004. The aircraft represented an evolution of Steinbach's single-seat XA-41 design, expanded to accommodate the growing demand for high-performance aerobatic training aircraft. The development team focused on creating an unlimited competition aerobat that could also serve touring roles, utilizing advanced all-carbon-fiber composite construction throughout.
The design philosophy centered on maximum control authority and structural integrity. Steinbach incorporated massive control surfaces connected by carbon fiber push-pull rods, enabling instantaneous pilot inputs. The aircraft featured revolutionary five-hinge-point ailerons spanning nearly the entire wing trailing edge, capable of maximum deflection at speeds ranging from 50 to 225 knots. This innovation contributed to the aircraft's exceptional 450-degree-per-second roll rate at 225 knots.
Manufacturing Excellence
XtremeAir GmbH, founded by Harro Moewes in December 2005, established its manufacturing base in Cochstedt, Germany. The company relocated to a purpose-built 2,400-square-meter facility at Magdeburg-Cochstedt Airport in December 2006, employing approximately 50 specialists in composite aircraft construction. The XA-42 achieved EASA type certification in March 2011, followed by FAA certification in November 2012.
Production commenced around 2011, with early examples like N42EX manufactured as early as 2010. Manufacturing continued through at least 2015, with serial number 136 delivered on aircraft N42XM. More than 44 units rolled off the Cochstedt production line before the company's acquisition by Chinese firm Zair Aerospace in 2018, headquartered in Wuhan with Qing Liu serving as the final CEO.
Technical Specifications and Performance
The XA-42's powerplant consists of a single Lycoming AEIO-580-B1A horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine, producing 315 horsepower at 2,700 rpm. This fuel-injected aerobatic variant drives a three-bladed MT-Propeller MTV-9-B-C/C203-20d with a 2.03-meter diameter. The engine configuration allows sustained inverted flight and operations within the aircraft's certified plus-or-minus 10-G limits.
Measuring 21 feet 11 inches in length with an 8-foot 4-inch height, the aircraft achieves a maximum speed of 259 mph and cruises at 213 mph. The stall speed of 62 mph provides excellent low-speed handling characteristics. With a service ceiling of 15,000 feet and climb rate of 3,266 feet per minute in aerobatic configuration, the XA-42 delivers exceptional vertical performance. The aircraft carries 275 liters of fuel total, with 64 liters available for aerobatic flight.
Operational Service
The XA-42 found its primary role among private aerobatic pilots and flight training operations. Notable examples include N79HW, certified on November 22, 2019, and N42EX, owned by pilot Greg Savidge. The aircraft's tandem seating configuration proved ideal for instruction, with the student occupying the front seat and instructor positioned aft.
FAA Designated Airworthiness Representative M.K. Blalock praised the aircraft as "the best designed" he had evaluated, noting the workmanship as "the best I have ever seen." This recognition validated XtremeAir's commitment to manufacturing excellence and engineering precision.
Tragedy and Safety Record
The type experienced a significant accident on November 15, 2023, when N42XM crashed near Union City, Tennessee, during aerobatic instruction. The accident claimed both the private pilot receiving instruction, who possessed 6,800 total flight hours, and the flight instructor aboard. At the time of the accident, the aircraft had accumulated only 73 airframe hours following a recent inspection, highlighting the low utilization typical of high-performance aerobatic aircraft.
Company Legacy and Current Status
XtremeAir GmbH ceased operations in March 2021, entering liquidation after 16 years of specialized aerobatic aircraft manufacturing. The company's legacy includes the successful Sbach series, with the single-seat XA-41 achieving notable competition success, including a German national unlimited aerobatic championship victory.
In 2019, XtremeAir announced the XA-42 Gold variant, designed to broaden the aircraft's appeal beyond pure aerobatic applications. However, the company's closure ended further development of this promising evolution.
Present Day Operations
At least three XA-42 aircraft remain registered in the United States, though the exact number of airworthy examples worldwide remains unknown due to the type's limited production run. The aircraft's advanced composite construction and low flight hours suggest many examples retain significant service life. N79HW's registration extends through November 30, 2029, indicating continued active operation.
The XA-42's influence on modern aerobatic aircraft design continues through its innovative use of carbon fiber construction and advanced control systems, establishing benchmarks for unlimited aerobatic performance that subsequent designs continue to reference.