Epic Aircraft announced on July 15 that it had received the type certificate from the FAA for its next generation version of the E1000, the GX. The E1000 GX—which replaces the original E1000—features the updated Garmin GFCTM 700 automated flight control system and a Hartzell 5-blade composite propeller. The GFCTM’s advanced altitude and heading reference system (AHRS) is fully-integrated with the Garmin G1000 NXi flight deck, providing flight director, autopilot, yaw damper, automatic trim and coupled go-around capabilities as well as emergency descent protection.
Epic Aircraft CEO Doug King said, “We are also seeing benefits from the Hartzell 5-blade including improved speed, climb, range, payload and takeoff performance.” He added that the aircraft has been delivering quieter operations both inside and outside the cabin. The company said in news release, “The Hartzell 5-blade propeller provides stronger, composite resin-injected blades that allow for a thinner, wider airfoil which optimizes flight performance, offering faster takeoff acceleration and enhanced speed, versatility and comfort.
“Epic Aircraft received FAA TC for its original E1000 model in November 2019. Powered by the Pratt & Whitney 1,200-horsepower PT6A-67A engine, the all-carbon fiber single-engine turboprop delivers cruise speeds over 333 knots, climbs at 4,000 feet per minute, and operates up to 34,000 feet, with a maximum payload over 2,200 pounds and a full fuel payload of 1,100 pounds.”
The original Epic E1000 received Flying’s 2020 Innovation Award, which recognizes the most innovative product to have reached the general aviation market in the previous year. Flying will present the award to Epic Aircraft at EAA AirVenture on July 26 in a special ceremony, after being delayed a year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Customer deliveries begin in July, based on the GX price of $3.85 million.
