Express Aircraft Express 2000RG for Sale — Retractable Gear High-Speed Composite
The Express Aircraft Express 2000RG is the retractable-gear variant of the Express high-performance composite homebuilt family — taking the 2000FT's already impressive aerodynamic efficiency and adding retractable landing gear to eliminate the remaining parasitic drag that fixed gear imposes. The RG designation translates directly to higher cruise speeds for the same power input, with the Continental IO-550's 310 horsepower now driving an airframe whose gear-retracted drag coefficient provides cruise performance in the 210-220 knot range that turboprop operators find genuinely competitive. The Express 2000RG is among the fastest single-engine piston homebuilts available, and pre-owned examples offer that performance at acquisition costs far below any factory-built aircraft of comparable capability.
RG vs FT — The Performance Trade-off
The retractable gear of the 2000RG provides approximately 10-15 knots of additional cruise speed over the fixed-gear 2000FT, but adds mechanical complexity — the retraction mechanism, gear doors, and associated hydraulic or electric actuation systems require proper maintenance and add weight. Buyers choosing between the FT and RG variants should consider how much they value the speed increment versus the reduced maintenance complexity of the fixed-gear design. For pilots who regularly fly distances where those extra knots accumulate to meaningful time savings, the RG's additional complexity is worthwhile.
Find Your Express 2000RG on Airplane Trade
Browse Express Aircraft Express 2000RG for sale on Airplane Trade from verified sellers worldwide. Retractable-gear composite homebuilt with 210+ knot cruise capability — complete build and engine documentation from verified sellers. The fastest piston homebuilt available — find yours on Airplane Trade.