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| By Carmelo Turdo |
Epic Aircraft is completing final assembly of the E1000 AX to be used in the production test program this summer. The E1000 AX will include avionics and systems improvements over the current model, including, among others:
Garmin G1000NXi Avionics Suite featuring synthetic vison, GPS, weather, traffic and terrain;
Garmin GDL 60 with Plane Sync technology for data updates and aircraft health monitoring;
Garmin GFC 700 Autopilot with digital flight control and automatic trim capabilities;
Garmin Autothrottle and Garmin Autoland;
3D SafeTaxi and Taxiway Routing for navigating large, congested airports;
8000 StormOptix weather radar;
CoolView windows with 24K gold film coating for UV protection (blue as seen below).
Epic tour pilot Byron Severson gave The Aero Experience a tour of the current E1000 GX aircraft, taking time to discuss the ergonomically designed cockpit layout and the improvements to come in the E1000 AX. Along with the obvious large Garmin screens and wrap-around windows, there are more subtle areas of insightful design. The startup switchology arrangement follows the startup sequence in order, and with the automated systems monitoring engine performance and pressurization, the pre-takeoff checklist items take only a few minutes to complete. There are no controls above the window line, and critical alert messages are displayed at eye-level in the "wedge," the curved triangular area above the large Garmin displays. A push-to-talk button is also available under the left armrest, where the hand rests during cruise flight. These and other features make the Epic family of aircraft functional and comfortable for the crew.
The E1000 AX model retains the carbon fiber airframe and Pratt and Whitney PT-6A -67A 1200shp engine that have made this aircraft a stellar performer. With seating for six comfortably, the E1000 series has a payload of 1,150lbs and a cruise speed over 300KTAS at 30,000 feet. It is certified for flight into known icing and has convenient ground handling features, including trailing link landing gear and a breakout function that allows the nose gear to caster for tighter turns while taxiing. The wing structure is designed to withstand 7g stress loads, and the graceful lines of the cabin provide both comfort and aerodynamic efficiency.
The Aero Experience has taken great interest in Epic Aircraft since attending EAA AirVenture Oshkosh more than a decade ago. Epic Aircraft always had impressive displays, with several of the Epic LT experimental aircraft and a mockup of the E1000. Like many at the time, it was hard to imagine that an aircraft so graceful, and so large and sophisticated, was available as a kit. Now seeing how the design has matured, and how the company has grown into a significant player in the turboprop aircraft market, it is gratifying to know that they were really on to something! Here we look back on the Epic Aircraft exhibit at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015.
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