Avios Extra NG (PNF) Semi-Scale 3D AerobaticAirplane EPO 1600mm

By: John Dueck

---

I had a great opportunity to review and fly the new offering from Hobbyking. The Avios Extra NG (Next Generation). This airframe is a semi-scale 3D capable aerobatic remote-control aircraft available in Plug-N-Fly (PNF) format. I say “Semi-scale” because it means that it reflects many of the full-scale Extra NG aircraft’s aerodynamic and visual features, being optimized for radio control flight, including all 3D aerobatics for example hovering, tip spins, tumbling, torque rolls, etc.

Constructed of durable EPO foam with metal-geared digital servos and a high-power electric SK3 motor attached to an Aerostar 80amp ESC. The Avios Extra NG is aimed at intermediate to experienced pilots. The NG in my opinion would be suitable for pilots stepping into 3D from more basic aerobatic models due to its control precision and power-to-weight ratio. Let’s get into the build specs and flight review.

UNIQUE FEATURES

Opening the box, which is large I found that the aircraft is packaged well with no shipping damage noticed. Pulling out the pieces of the box, it shows the size ofthe NG. The aircraft is made using durable EPO white foam with the use of durable colorful, wrap style stickers throughout the airframe. Within the foam fuselage, there are a use of light plywood throughout, including using the battery box/side walls as part of the engine box. This type of design makes the whole aircraft extremely strong and keeps it light. The airframe not including battery sits at 2560grams (5.6lbs).

The Extra NG has a low parts count during the build, making assembly quite easy. The only major thing you have to do is glue the rudder to the fuselage. I used Goop adhesive. You could use whatever you like, epoxy, foam safe CA, they all would work just fine. Removable wings (a small thumb screw for each wing holds them tight), a carbon fiber spar tube, servo horns and rods to install on the elevator and rudder. This rounds out the parts in the kit and the aircraft can be ready for flight at the field in no time at all.

The fuselage has a really large canopy hatch giving you access to the huge inside of the fuselage for quick battery changes with ample room for receiver placement and wiring. The NG comes with a plain white foam pilot bust that,s easy to install should you decide to do so.

The servos come pre-installed all around. The servos are powerful Turnigy 30g HV metal geared digitals with 7kg of torque. More than enough for whatever you’re going to throw at the NG. Since the servos are all pre-installed, the wing servos have the pushrods installed, but the rudder and elevator servos need the servo horn and pushrods installed. Once the flight battery is connected, the pushrods need to be adjusted.

There are a couple of extra pieces that the Avios Extra NG comes with should you choose to install them. One of them are Side Force Generators (SFG), one ends ofthe wing tips, these can be bolted on and off should you want to. The other ones are something called ‘Turbulators’ or “dogs/sharks teeth”. These are glued into the leading edge of the wings, near the tips and are not removable once you put them on. These devises intentionally disrupt the smooth (laminar) airflow to make it turbulent, where it prevents premature flow separation at high angles of attack and delay stall.

The assembly of the NG is simple and straightforward. The fit and finish is well done, and the foam seems quite durable and dense. I found that the carbon fiber tube is well made, however I would recommend cleaning the tube with an alcohol wipe, this will allow the tube to slide in and out of the wings easier.

Rounding out the wings and fuselage are day bright LEDS on the wing tips and fuselage.

IN THE AIR/PILOT DEBRIEF

The Extra NG is a fantastic aerobatic performer. The moment the AVIOS Extra NG leaves the ground, you know you're flying something special and different. It doesn’t just climb — it leaps into the sky with authority. Throttle response is sharp, and right from the first circuit, the aircraft felt incredibly locked in. It’s the kind of plane that makes even a modest pilot feel precise.

Once airborne, the Extra NG offers a reassuring sense of control. It responds quickly to inputs but never feels twitchy and flies with purpose — smooth through rolls, solid in loops, and crisp in turns. Even at half throttle, it cruises comfortably, with plenty of punch in reserve for vertical climbs or snappy aerobatics. I am far from the pilot that is proficient at knife edges, however flying a knife-edge with this plane is fun and feels like it takes less effort. This is the first 3D airframe that I have flown with side force generators. I have always understood how they work aerodynamically, but I didn’t think that they would help as much as they did. I was able to hold longer, and smoother knife-edge passes with minimal corrections.

The NG doesn’t want to roll out or lose altitude unexpectedly — it stays exactly where you put it, even through loops and figure-eights and doing most of the aerobatics in crosswinds. You get a real sense of how balanced and well designed the plane is, as it recovers cleanly from aggressive moves, never feeling out of control unless you push it too far. During high angle of attack harriers there’s minimal wing rock, and the slow-speed handling remains predictable. It’s responsive, but not overly sensitive, which gives you the confidence to push into more complex 3D tricks.

One of the best things about flying the Extra NG is how wide its performance envelope is. The newly designed SK3 5055-500Kv motor turning a fiberglass 16X6 prop, is a powerhouse. You don’t need full throttle all the time — in fact, flying smoothly and managing your power gives you better results. The NG carries energy well and doesn’t bleed speed quickly, so you can transition to different maneuvers together cleanly without feeling rushed, causing you to get behind the aircraft.

Throttle response is immediate, which is especially helpful when hovering or transitioning out of a low-and-slow maneuver. It’s also forgiving — if you come out of a move a little off, the plane gives you time to correct without panicking.

BOTTOM LINE: Honest Impressions After Time with the Extra NG

After spending some solid time flying the AVIOS Extra NG, I’ve come to really appreciate what it offers. It’s not a perfect plane, and it doesn’t try to be the flashiest thing at the field, but it does a lot of things right.

What stood out the most for me is how manageable it is. Even though it’s capable of aggressive 3D flight and fast maneuvers, it never feels like it’s trying to get away from you. That kind of control gives you room to focus on your flying instead of constantly fighting the plane. It responds well, holds lines nicely, and still has enough personality in the air to be fun, even during a relaxed session.

The NG isn’tjust a throw-around foamy you get bored of after a few weekends. The more I fly it, the more I find myself wanting to work on things — whether it's cleaner rolls, more consistent knife-edge, or smoother harriers. It’s not a 3D trainer, but it is forgiving enough to try new things on, which makes it a great plane for building skills.

I flew the NG two different sized batteries, the Turnigy BoltX 4500mAh and the Turnigy HD 5000mAh. Both flew the Extra NG well. I got around 6 to 6.5 minutes offlight times out of both battery sizes.

The build quality and fit and finish is really good. I only have one issue with the Extra NG, and that’s the really weak landing gear. Even after a really smooth landing (grass runway) I am still having to bend or adjust the gear back into position. The NG should have come with a carbon fiber landing gear. I do plan on changing it out.

As with any plane in this category, it’s worth taking the time to get the setup right. Good servos and balanced throws make a big difference. I don’t fly 3D aircraft that often, however it is a plane I trust in the air, and that goes a long way. Flying should be fun, and this aircraft keeps things simple while still giving you the room to improve.

So, if you’re looking for a plane that can handle a bit of everything — some aerobatics, a bit of 3D, and a fair amount of just enjoyable flying — the Extra NG is a solid option. It’s not over the top, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a well-balanced aircraft that feels rewarding to fly, especially if you’re the type of pilot who enjoys putting in the stick time and getting a little better every flight.

Shop Now

 

Sign up to receive new product updates, exclusive discounts, news, and more!

Subscribing means you agree to receive email updates from HobbyKing to tell you about promotions, product releases, or news and updates. You can unsubscribe or update your contact preferences at any time.