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- February 4, 2023
Velocity Aircraft Velocity XL-RG for Sale — Buy or Sell the Widest Canard Composite Four-Seater
The Velocity Aircraft Velocity XL-RG is the Extra Large retractable gear variant of the acclaimed Velocity canard composite homebuilt family — the roomiest, most comfortable, and most family-friendly aircraft in the Velocity lineup. Where the SE-RG prioritizes aerodynamic efficiency with its standard-width fuselage, the XL-RG expands the cabin to provide a genuinely spacious four-seat interior that accommodates adult passengers in comfort comparable to light twin-engine certified aircraft. Combined with the Velocity's inherent canard safety advantages, pusher configuration, all-composite construction, and retractable gear performance, the XL-RG represents one of the most capable and practical homebuilt four-seat aircraft available anywhere in the world. Airplane Trade connects buyers and sellers of Velocity XL-RG aircraft internationally, offering a trusted marketplace for this exceptional design.
What Makes the XL Different
The "XL" designation in the Velocity XL-RG identifies a wider fuselage than the standard SE-RG model. This dimensional increase translates directly into a more spacious cockpit and cabin — wider seats, more shoulder room for front occupants, and improved comfort for rear passengers on long cross-country flights. For pilots who regularly fly with family members or business associates, the XL cabin's comfort advantage over the SE is immediately noticeable and genuinely appreciated on flights of more than an hour.
The wider fuselage does introduce slightly more frontal area and thus slightly higher drag than the SE-RG, with a small corresponding reduction in top speed at equivalent power. In practice, the XL-RG with a well-tuned IO-540 installation more than compensates for this through the higher power available, and cruise speeds in the 195 to 215 mph range are routinely achieved by well-built examples. For most pilots, the cabin comfort gain far outweighs the minor speed trade-off.
Canard Safety and Performance
Like all Velocity Aircraft designs, the XL-RG benefits from the fundamental safety advantage of the canard configuration. The forward-mounted horizontal stabilizer is designed to reach its stall angle of attack before the main wing, causing the aircraft to pitch nose-down and recover automatically before a full wing stall can develop. This passive stall-resistance makes classic approach-to-landing stall-spin accidents — a leading cause of fatal general aviation accidents — essentially impossible in normal operations.
The pusher propeller configuration places the engine at the rear of the fuselage, driving a propeller behind the aircraft. This arrangement provides forward visibility completely unobstructed by a rotating propeller arc, meaningfully reduced cabin noise levels compared to tractor aircraft, and a clean forward fuselage profile that contributes to aerodynamic efficiency.
Typical Performance Figures
- Cruise speed — 190 to 215 mph depending on engine and altitude
- Range — 900 to 1,300 miles with standard fuel, extended with optional tanks
- Seating — four adults in a wide, comfortable cabin
- Fuel burn — 11 to 15 gallons per hour at cruise
- Rate of climb — 1,000 to 1,500 feet per minute with IO-540
- Useful load — typically 950 to 1,150 lbs depending on build weight
Most XL-RG aircraft are powered by the Lycoming IO-540 producing 260 horsepower — a powerplant with an outstanding service history and wide parts availability. Some builders have installed IO-360 engines for lighter weight and lower fuel consumption, accepting a modest performance reduction in exchange for operational economy.
Build and Kit Quality
The Velocity XL-RG kit from Velocity Aircraft of Sebastian, Florida provides pre-molded composite fuselage halves, wing skins, canard, and major structural components that simplify the builder's task compared to scratch construction. The factory offers builder assistance programs and construction seminars that are highly recommended for first-time composite builders. Typical build times range from 2,500 to 4,000 hours depending on builder experience and the complexity of the avionics and systems installation chosen.
Buying a Used Velocity XL-RG
Evaluate any used XL-RG with focus on composite structure condition — look for delamination, impact damage, moisture intrusion, and repair quality in all major structural areas. The engine installation and cooling system deserve careful inspection, as pusher cooling arrangements can lead to elevated temperatures if not properly designed. Review build logs, maintenance records, and landing gear system function thoroughly. Always engage an inspector experienced with composite experimental aircraft before completing a purchase.
Find Your Velocity XL-RG on Airplane Trade
Browse current Velocity Aircraft XL-RG listings on Airplane Trade. Filter by engine, location, avionics, and price. Connect directly with sellers without broker fees. The XL-RG offers four-seat canard composite performance in the most spacious Velocity package — start your search today.