What the checked documents identify the AirDesign Exta as
The Rev1 manual's cover page names the product plainly: AirDesign Exta is documented as a parakite, printed as “PARAKITE EXTA” alongside the reference EN/926-1, as shown on page 1 of the Rev1 manual. That positive identification is what the checked manual and technical table establish, and this article does not extend the description beyond what is printed.
Exta specifications for sizes 12, 16, 18 and 21
Page 5 of the Rev1 manual publishes a single technical table across the four documented sizes. The manual prints these values using European decimal-comma notation — for example, 9,3 m rather than 9.3 m — and the table reproduces the same figures and printed precision exactly as shown in the manual, with no rounding or unit conversion. See the Rev1 manual's technical table on page 5 for the source.
| Spec | Size 12 | Size 16 | Size 18 | Size 21 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat area (m²) | 11,88 | 15,83 | 17,80 | 20,59 |
| Projected area (m²) | 10,26 | 13,68 | 15,37 | 17,79 |
| Flat span (m) | 7,60 | 8,78 | 9,3 | 10,00 |
| Projected span (m) | 6,15 | 7,11 | 7,53 | 8,10 |
| Chord length (mm) | 1906 | 2200 | 2332 | 2508 |
| Cells | 34 | 34 | 34 | 34 |
| Wing mass (kg) | 1,85 | 2,20 | 2,45 | 2,68 |
Two fields stay constant across every size and are worth noting separately rather than in the table: flat aspect ratio is printed as 4,86 for all four sizes, and projected aspect ratio as 3,69 for all four. Cell count is also constant at 34. These physical fields describe the wing as manufactured — they are not, by themselves, a statement about how a given size flies or who it suits.
How the manual defines take-off weight
The take-off-weight row prints <120 kg for each of the four sizes, with minimum/standard/extended in its label. The manual defines take-off weight as flight mass including the pilot, glider, harness and gear, rather than the pilot's body weight alone. The less-than sign is part of the printed value and is preserved here. This table entry does not supply a lower weight bound or an individual size recommendation.
Why the table's EN926-1 entry is not an EN A/B/C/D class
The EN category row in the same table prints EN926-1 for each of the four sizes. That entry describes what the checked manual's technical table prints for the Exta — it is not, by itself, a statement that the Exta holds an EN A/B/C/D flight-behaviour class. The retrieved Air Turquoise certificate for the EXTA 21 sample likewise concerns structural strength, not flight-behaviour testing. Neither the manual's table nor the certificate assigns the Exta an A, B, C or D rating, and this article does not either.
What the EXTA 21 structural certificate verifies
The retrieved Air Turquoise certificate gives more detail, but for one named sample only. It states that Air Turquoise SA tested the structural strength of a sample identified as "EXTA 21" (serial number XP02211KP2618008P), inspected 22 May 2026 and issued 1 June 2026, and certifies conformity with EN 926-1:2015 and NfL 2024-2-785 chapter 3. For that sample, riser configuration is recorded as without trimmer and speed system; the shock loading test was run at 800 daN with no visible damage that could prevent airworthiness; and the sustained loading test held 8 g for three seconds at a maximum total weight in flight of 119 kg. Those are structural strength results for one identified sample, not a flight-behaviour rating.
Why the EXTA 21 evidence cannot be extended to sizes 12, 16 or 18
The certificate names only the EXTA 21 sample. It does not contain test data, riser configuration or load results for sizes 12, 16 or 18, and none of those figures should be assumed to carry over. If you fly, or are considering, one of the other sizes, treat the EXTA 21 certificate as evidence about that one identified sample only, not as coverage for your specific size.
What comes with the Exta — and what is not included
According to AirDesign's current product page, the manufacturer lists the Exta's package contents as the glider, a Vacpack Exta, goodies, and repair materials and AirDesign stickers. The same page states directly that a rucksack is not included, and that pilots wanting one should ask their dealer. The listing names the Vacpack Exta as a supplied item and a rucksack as separate.
Editorial checklist for checking the documents
- Confirm you are reading the Rev1 – 22.07.2026 manual, not an older revision.
- Match the size heading (12, 16, 18 or 21) to the values below it.
- Check whether any certificate you're shown names your specific size sample, not just the Exta model generally.
- Ask your dealer to confirm current package contents and whether a rucksack needs to be added separately.
View the AirDesign Exta catalogue page for the product listing. For the manufacturer's document collection, follow Downloads on AirDesign's Exta page.