Liberty XL2
Liberty Aerospace · USA · first flew 1997 · glider
The Liberty XL2 is a two-seat, low-wing light aircraft developed from the Europa kitplane, notable for its FADEC-controlled Continental engine and side-by-side sliding canopy.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × none, embedded-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.25 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Two-seat low-wing trainer
- Bubble sliding canopy
- FADEC Continental engine
Look for a small two-seat low-wing monoplane with a bubble sliding canopy and fixed tricycle gear. Its clean lines and compact span reflect its glider-like Europa origins.
Specifications
- The Liberty XL2 has a length of 6.25 m (21 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.53 m (28 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 244 km/h (152 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 pilot plus 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Derived from the British Europa design, the XL2 prototype first flew in 1997 and gained FAA certification in 2004 with a fully-cowled, FADEC-managed IOF-240 engine. Liberty Aerospace built it in Melbourne, Florida as an economical trainer and tourer.
Variants
The type remained essentially a single production model, with detail refinements over its 2004-2011 build run rather than distinct sub-variants.
Where you'll see it
The XL2 saw use as a low-cost trainer and personal aircraft, including examples registered and flown in the UK given its British Europa ancestry. Its FADEC engine made it appealing for simplified pilot workload.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.