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Velocity XL
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The Velocity XL (XL: Extra Large) is an American amateur-built aircraft, produced by Velocity, Inc. It is an enlarged version of their Velocity SE canard pusher design.[1][2]
Key Information
Design and development
[edit]
The Velocity XL is 12 in (310 mm) longer and has a 20 in (510 mm) greater span than the SE.[3] The standard XL has a cruising range of 875 nautical miles (1,620 km; 1,007 mi) and a 75% power cruising speed of 185 knots (213 mph; 343 km/h) air speed.[2][4][5]
The XL is available in both fixed gear (FG) and retractable gear (RG) form and can accommodate either three or four passengers plus a pilot. The five seat versions, the XL-5 and the TXL-RG-5, have a rear bench seat for three rather than the alternative separate pair of seats.[1][2][5][6]
Engines available as kits from the manufacturer for all models are the Lycoming IO-360 of 180 to 200 hp (134 to 149 kW), Lycoming IO-540 of 260 to 300 hp (194 to 224 kW), Continental IO-550 of 310 to 350 hp (231 to 261 kW) and the Franklin 6A350C1 of 205 to 235 hp (153 to 175 kW).[1][2][7] Builders may use these manufacturer kits or design their own engine installations using a variety of other engines of similar power output.
Variants
[edit]
- Velocity XL-FG
- Fixed landing gear version with a gross weight of 2,700 lb (1,225 kg). Forty had been completed and flown by December 2011.[1]
- Velocity XL-FG-5
- Fixed landing gear version with a gross weight of 2,900 lb (1,315 kg). Twenty-one had been completed and flown by December 2011.[1]
- Velocity XL-RG
- Retractable landing gear version, with a gross weight of 2,700 lb (1,225 kg). 150 had been completed and flown by December 2011.[1]
- Velocity TXL-RG-5
- Retractable landing gear version, with gross weight of 2,900 lb (1,315 kg). Eighteen had been completed and flown by December 2011.[1]
- Velocity V-Twin
- Twin engine prototype, three built, powered by two Superior IO-320-A engines.[8]
Rocket Racers
[edit]
The now-defunct Rocket Racing League utilized a highly modified Velocity XL FG airframe and an Armadillo Aerospace 2,500 pound thrust liquid oxygen (LOX) and ethanol rocket engine in both its Mark-II X-Racer and Mark-III X-Racer demonstration vehicles. The Mark-II utilized a standard fixed-gear Velocity XL airframe, modified for rocket propulsion. The Mark-III airframe was more extensively customized during manufacture, explicitly for rocket racing, with a canopy top, center seat and control stick and other enhancements, in addition to the rocket propulsion added to the Mark-II.[9]
Specifications (XL-RG)
[edit]Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2013/14[3]
General characteristics
- Crew: One
- Capacity: Three
- Length: 20 ft 0 in (6.10 m)
- Wingspan: 31 ft 0 in (9.45 m) rear wing; forewing 13 ft 8 in (4.17 m)
- Height: 8 ft 5 in (2.56 m)
- Wing area: 102 sq ft (9.5 m2) rear wing.
- Empty weight: 1,700 lb (771 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 2,701 lb (1,225 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 265 L (58 imp gal)
- Powerplant: 1 × Continental IO-550 air-cooled flat six, 310 hp (230 kW)
- Propellers: 3-bladed Catto
Performance
- Cruise speed: 240 mph (380 km/h, 210 kn) normal at 75% power
- Stall speed: 75 mph (121 km/h, 65 kn)
- Range: 1,150 mi (1,850 km, 1,000 nmi) at 65% power
- g limits: +9/-7
- Take-off run: 1,300 ft (396 m)
- Landing run: 1,500 ft (457 m)
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g Vandermeullen, Richard: 2011 Kit Aircraft Buyer's Guide, Kitplanes, Volume 28, Number 12, December 2011, page 75. Belvoir Publications. ISSN 0891-1851
- ^ a b c d Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 125. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
- ^ a b Jackson, Paul A. (2013). Jane's All the World's Aircraft : development & production : 2013-14. IHS Global. pp. 968–9. ISBN 978-0-7106-3040-7.
- ^ Insite. "Velocity Aircraft". Velocity Aircraft. Archived from the original on November 12, 2015. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
- ^ a b Insite. "Velocity Aircraft". Velocity Aircraft. Archived from the original on October 15, 2012. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
- ^ Insite. "Velocity Aircraft". Velocity Aircraft. Archived from the original on October 22, 2012. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
- ^ Velocity, Inc. (2016). "Engine Installation Kits". Archived from the original on June 5, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
- ^ Federal Aviation Administration (June 29, 2016). "N-Number Inquiry Results". Archived from the original on August 15, 2016. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
- ^ Rocket Racing League Announces Milestone Development in X-Racer Archived 2011-07-15 at the Wayback Machine, press release, 2010-03-10, accessed 2010-05-03.
External links
[edit]
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Velocity XL
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Design and development
Background and origins
Velocity, Inc. was founded in 1984 by Danny Maher in Sebastian, Florida, initially focusing on canard pusher designs inspired by Burt Rutan's Long-EZ to create high-performance homebuilt aircraft.[5][6] The company introduced its original Velocity model in 1985, with the prototype achieving first flight that summer and completing flight testing by mid-October, thereby establishing a philosophy of composite kit construction for efficient, high-speed cross-country travel.[7][8] By the mid-1990s, growing demand among builders and owners for increased seating capacity and extended range prompted the development of a larger variant; after acquiring the company in 1992, Duane Swing led the effort starting in 1997 to produce the Velocity XL, or "Extra Large."[2] Key design objectives for the XL included attaining a cruising range of 875 nautical miles and a cruise speed of 185 knots at 75% power, while preserving accessibility for amateur builders through the kit format; this involved extending the fuselage by 10 inches and increasing the wingspan to 34 feet from 31 feet compared to the original model.[1][9]Development and first flight
Prototyping of the Velocity XL began in 1997 under Duane Swing, who led the effort to create a larger variant of the Velocity SE capable of seating five passengers and supporting more powerful engines.[2] The first prototype, designated N97XL, was constructed as a retractable-gear model and equipped with a Lycoming IO-540 engine producing 260 horsepower.[10] This design choice emphasized the aircraft's pusher-propeller configuration and composite construction for improved performance over the original Velocity, which had achieved its first flight in 1985.[7] The prototype's maiden flight took place circa 1998, marking the start of an extensive testing phase that evaluated key aspects of the canard-pusher layout, including aerodynamic stability, canard-generated lift distribution, and sufficient propeller clearance during ground operations and low-speed maneuvers.[10] Initial flight tests confirmed the airframe's handling qualities, with reports noting climb rates of 1,500 to 2,000 feet per minute and a top speed approaching 184 knots during early evaluations.[7] Throughout the late 1990s and into the early 2000s, developers implemented iterative enhancements to optimize the design, such as refining winglet shapes for better aerodynamic efficiency and adjusting composite layup schedules to promote laminar airflow and minimize drag.[2] These modifications addressed feedback from prototype flights and ground tests, resulting in a more refined airframe suitable for long-range cruising. The Velocity XL was certified under the FAA's experimental amateur-built category, allowing individual homebuilders to construct and operate the aircraft without pursuing full type certification from the manufacturer. This approach aligned with Velocity Inc.'s business model of selling detailed kits to enthusiasts, enabling customization while ensuring compliance with experimental aircraft regulations.[4]Design
Configuration and construction
The Velocity XL employs a canard pusher configuration, characterized by a forward-mounted foreplane (canard) with a span of 15 feet 8 inches (188 inches) and a main wing span of 34 feet, optimizing aerodynamic efficiency and stability in this high-performance design.[1] The rear-mounted pusher propeller enhances visibility by eliminating forward obstruction, a key feature of the aircraft's layout that supports its role as a long-range cruiser.[11] The airframe utilizes all-composite construction, primarily consisting of epoxy resin bonded with fiberglass fabrics, supplemented by carbon fiber in select structural elements for added rigidity where needed. Kit components are produced using matched molds to ensure precision and simplify assembly for builders, with vacuum-bagged layup techniques employed during fabrication to consolidate layers effectively and achieve a superior strength-to-weight ratio.[12][13] The fuselage measures 20 feet in length, with a cabin offering 47.5 inches of shoulder-to-shoulder width and 43.5 inches in height, accommodating tandem seating for up to four occupants in standard configuration or five in the optional Dash-5 arrangement that incorporates an additional mid-fuselage seat.[14][15] Flight controls comprise traditional ailerons on the main wing for roll, a single elevator on the canard for pitch, and dual rudders mounted on the winglets for yaw, with no flaps incorporated to maintain the aircraft's sleek, low-drag profile. This clean aerodynamic design contributes to higher landing speeds, with a stall speed of approximately 65 knots (75 mph) under typical conditions.[16][17][1]Powerplant and propulsion
The Velocity XL employs a selection of air-cooled, fuel-injected piston engines from Lycoming and Continental, optimized for its rear-mounted pusher configuration to achieve high cruise speeds while maintaining efficient power delivery. Primary options include the Lycoming IO-540 variants, delivering 260 to 300 horsepower, or the Continental IO-550, rated at 310 horsepower as the standard high-output choice.[3][18] The TXL variant incorporates a twin-turbocharged Continental TSIO-550 engine, upgraded to produce up to 350 horsepower through porting, polishing, and higher compression modifications, enabling sustained operations at flight levels above 20,000 feet. These engines are integrated into the composite airframe to optimize power-to-weight ratios, supporting cruise speeds exceeding 200 knots true airspeed (KTAS) with specific fuel consumption typically ranging from 11 to 15 gallons per hour (gph) at economy power settings.[2][19] Fuel is stored in wing-mounted tanks with a standard usable capacity of 70 gallons, expandable to 92 gallons via optional extended tanks to accommodate longer missions and higher-power engines. The system features balanced feeding from both wings to the engine sump, ensuring stable supply during high-g maneuvers. Propulsion is provided by a constant-speed propeller in pusher mounting, commonly a Hartzell or MT model with three or four blades, which adjusts pitch automatically to maintain optimal engine RPM across flight regimes.[20][11][21] Cooling relies on air-cooled setups with ram air inlets through NACA ducts on the fuselage roof, directing airflow over the cylinders and oil coolers for efficient heat dissipation during high-speed flight. Exhaust systems route gases rearward, minimizing cabin intrusion, while turbocharged variants include intercoolers and wastegates to sustain manifold pressure at altitude, enhancing climb and cruise capabilities up to flight levels.[22][2]Variants
Standard single-engine variants
The standard single-engine variants of the Velocity XL cater to a range of general aviation needs, emphasizing high-speed cruise capabilities and efficient kit construction while sharing the aircraft's signature canard pusher configuration. These models differ primarily in landing gear type, seating capacity, and gross weight, allowing builders to select based on mission requirements such as cross-country travel or added payload. The XL-FG features fixed landing gear and a gross weight of 2,750 pounds, making it suitable for simpler, non-complex builds that prioritize ease of assembly and maintenance.[1] It is capable of cruising at 190-205 knots true airspeed (ktas) when equipped with a typical Lycoming IO-540 engine.[1] The XL-FG-5, or Dash-5, builds on the fixed-gear design with a higher gross weight of 2,800 pounds to accommodate an optional fifth seat for increased passenger capacity.[1] It offers enhanced utility for family or short-haul missions without sacrificing the core performance envelope of the series and requires a 300 hp or higher engine.[1] For missions demanding higher speeds and versatility, the XL-RG incorporates retractable landing gear while maintaining a 2,800-pound gross weight.[1] This configuration serves as the baseline for high-speed operations, often powered by a Continental IO-550 for efficient long-range flights.[1] The TXL-RG-5 advances the retractable-gear lineup with a twin-turbocharged Continental TSIO-550 engine and a 3,000-pound gross weight, supporting five seats in a performance-oriented package.[1] It achieves cruises exceeding 250 ktas, and complete kits with modern avionics like the Garmin G3X can be priced under $300,000.[1] All standard variants benefit from fast-build kit options, which include pre-molded composite parts to streamline construction and reduce typical assembly time to 1,000–1,500 hours.[1] This approach enables builders to focus on customization while ensuring the aircraft's structural integrity and aerodynamic efficiency.Experimental and special variants
The experimental variants of the Velocity XL originated from early conceptual work by company founder Duane Swing, who in 2002 crafted wooden scale models of a twin-engine design to explore enhanced safety features through engine redundancy.[23] These models, resembling a piston-powered version of the Beechcraft Starship with parallel fuselages, generated significant interest at airshows and laid the groundwork for subsequent prototypes aimed at mitigating single-engine failure risks in the base XL configuration.[23] This evolution culminated in the V-Twin, a twin-engine experimental variant that adapts the Velocity XL's canard layout by incorporating two side-by-side composite fuselages connected by an increased-span wing, pusher propellers mounted on the wings, and a central dorsal vertical stabilizer with rudder in lieu of the standard winglets and tip rudders.[24] The prototype V-Twin, equipped with two Lycoming IO-320 engines each rated at 160 horsepower, performed its maiden flight in March 2012, piloted by test pilot John Abraham, and was publicly unveiled at the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In shortly thereafter.[23] Designed specifically for redundancy, the V-Twin demonstrates robust single-engine performance, capable of maintaining altitude at 12,000 feet gross weight or climbing at 8,000 feet on one engine, making it suitable for operations over water or in instrument meteorological conditions where the single-engine XL might be limited.[23] Subsequent development has seen the V-Twin adapted with alternative powerplants, including DeltaHawk diesel engines, with at least three airframes featured at EAA AirVenture in July 2024.[25] A testing accident involving a DeltaHawk-equipped V-Twin (N106VT) occurred on August 1, 2023, near Jefferson, Georgia, resulting in substantial damage; the NTSB investigation was completed in 2024.[26] As of March 2025, a turbine-powered version with two PBS Aerospace TP100 turboprop engines achieved its maiden flight.[27] Kits for the V-Twin remain available, with customer builds ongoing as of 2025, though it has not transitioned to full production.[24] Beyond the V-Twin, special variants arise from builder-initiated customizations to the standard Velocity XL airframe, including extended fuel capacity in the strakes for increased range and reinforced composite upgrades to cowlings and doors for improved aerodynamics and durability.[28] These modifications, often shared within the builder community, enhance specific mission profiles like long-distance touring but are not officially supported or produced by Velocity Aircraft, distinguishing them from certified kit options.[28]Operational history
Production statistics
The Velocity XL kit is manufactured by Velocity, Inc., based in Sebastian, Florida, where production continues as an active operation offering both standard and fast-build kits for amateur builders worldwide.[4] As of December 2011, 229 Velocity XL aircraft had been completed and registered, reflecting the model's popularity among homebuilders during its early production years.[2] Ongoing sales in 2025 demonstrate sustained demand, with the company leveraging over 35 years of experience in composite kit aircraft design and support.[4] Kit pricing for the basic fast-build Velocity XL excludes the cost of engine, propeller, and avionics, allowing builders to customize based on performance needs such as a Lycoming IO-540 installation.[12] For the turbocharged TXL variant, a turnkey configuration including Garmin G3X avionics and full instrumentation is available for under $300,000, positioning it as a high-value option for cross-country travel at speeds exceeding 200 knots over 1,000-mile ranges.[1] The Velocity Owners and Builders Association (VOBA) plays a key role in supporting the builder community, maintaining a comprehensive database that tracks aircraft registrations, models, owners, and modifications to facilitate networking and technical sharing among members.[29] This resource emphasizes the model's builder-friendly design, with pre-molded composite parts enabling completion in around 1,000 hours for experienced assemblers using the fast-build kit, significantly reducing labor compared to from-scratch construction.[30] In the market, the Velocity XL maintains a strong position as a spacious four-seat canard pusher for efficient long-distance flights, with modern updates like integrated Garmin G3X panels enhancing avionics reliability and ease of use for contemporary builders.[1] Across variants, the broader Velocity lineup has seen nearly 700 kits sold and over 500 aircraft flying as of the mid-2010s, underscoring the enduring appeal of the design family that includes the XL.[2]Use in racing
The Velocity XL served as the foundational airframe for the Rocket Racing League (RRL), a short-lived organization founded in 2005 that aimed to conduct closed-circuit races using rocket-powered aircraft until its dissolution around 2010.[31] In April 2008, a subsidiary of the RRL acquired Velocity Aircraft to ensure a supply of airframes for the racing program. [32] The league selected the XL-FG variant for its modifications due to the design's inherent low-drag pusher configuration and canard layout, which provided the agility needed for high-speed turns in racing circuits.[31] Key adaptations included the Mark-II X-Racer, which replaced the standard piston engine with a single Armadillo Aerospace rocket motor delivering 2,500 pounds of thrust for brief, high-intensity bursts, enabling speeds exceeding 200 mph while retaining the core canard structure for maneuverability.[31] The subsequent Mark-III X-Racer featured further customizations to the airframe for enhanced racing performance, culminating in its first public demonstration flight on April 24, 2010, during the QuikTrip Air & Rocket Racing Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where it flew alongside the Mark-II in a paired takeoff.[33][34] These vehicles debuted in the RRL's Rocket Racers exhibition series, showcasing synchronized rocket-powered flights intended to simulate competitive racing.[35] Following the league's financial collapse in 2010, the original owners Duane and Scott Swing repurchased Velocity Aircraft in May 2010.[36] Surviving airframes from the program were repurposed for airshows and experimental speed trials, with no formal racing competitions resuming thereafter.[2] The effort highlighted the Velocity XL's pusher design as viable for ultra-low-drag, high-velocity applications in rocket-assisted flight, though no official racing initiatives involving the type have persisted as of 2025.[2]Specifications (Velocity XL-RG)
General characteristics
The Velocity XL-RG is a four-seat, canard-configured, homebuilt aircraft designed for high-performance touring, with a crew of one pilot and capacity for three passengers in the standard configuration, or optionally four passengers in the Dash-5 variant.[12][18] Key dimensions include an overall length of 20 feet, a main wingspan of 31 feet, a canard span of 15 feet 8 inches, a height of 7 feet 9 inches, a wheelbase of 110 inches, and a track width of 80 inches. The total wing area is 155.3 square feet.[1][17]| Characteristic | Specification |
|---|---|
| Empty weight | 1,700–1,900 lb (771–862 kg) |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 2,701 lb (1,225 kg) standard; 2,900 lb (1,315 kg) for Dash-5 |
| Useful load | 1,000–1,100 lb (454–499 kg) |