Summary
- The E1000 aircraft can fly over 300 knots at less than 50 gallons per hour.
- Epic Aircraft’s long-term partnership with Avantto will deliver 34 aircraft in five years.
- The E1000 GX received type certificate approvals from Brazil’s ANAC and the FAA.
Epic Aircraft is based in Bend, Oregon, and specializes in designing and manufacturing high-performance, all-composite, six-seat, single-engine turboprop aircraft. The award-winning E1000 GX, known for its powerful turbine engine, advanced avionics, and luxurious interior, packaged in a sleek, elegant airframe, has captured the attention of the aviation industry. In 2004, the debut of the Epic LT experimental aircraft introduced a new standard to the kit plane marketplace.
The E1000 aircraft is unique in its ability to fly over 300 knots, using less than 50 gallons per hour. Its 1200-horsepower Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67A engine and all-composite Epic airframe allow it to deliver speeds faster than any single-engine turboprop on the market. The aircraft’s performance competes with most business jets without incurring similar costs to jet-class travel.
Epic Aircraft said, “It may be hard to imagine reaching speeds over 333 knots in a single-engine aircraft and harder still to comprehend the thrill of a 4,000 feet-per-minute climb out.”
Photo: Epic Aircraft
The cockpit and cabin of the aircraft have ample space to offer the best legroom in its class, comfortably accommodating pilots and passengers as tall as 6’8″. The seats are designed with optimal padding, pitch, and roominess to provide maximum comfort. Each leather reclining seat is equipped with a variety of features, including side pockets, small item storage, headset jacks, power ports, beverage holders, air vents, and fingertip-adjustable LED reading lights.
All these features are designed to ensure a comfortable and convenient journey. Once the plane is in the air, the large windows can be electronically dimmed to offer precision control over light, glare, heat, and UV.
Photo: Epic Aircraft
Recently, the E1000 GX received type certificate approval from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), following its type certificate approval from the FAA in 2021. Epic Aircraft has recently announced a long-term partnership with Avantto, one of the largest operators in the private aviation market in Latin America. It is also a leading company offering fractional jets and helicopter ownership. Under this partnership, Avantto will receive 34 aircraft from Epic Aircraft over the next five years.
“Over the last four months, Epic Aircraft has worked closely with the Brazilian regulators to achieve ANAC certification of the E1000 GX,” said Doug King, CEO of Epic Aircraft, “This is a huge accomplishment in such a short time.”
Epic Aircraft has a team of over 85 individuals, including manufacturing, engineering, and support staff. Epic is owned by Engineering LLC, a Russian maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) holding company that provides line and base maintenance for Airbus, Boeing, ATR, and Bombardier aircraft.
How Do Turbofan Engines Differ From Turboprops?
The thermodynamic principle of turbofans and turboprops is identical; they differ in functionality and applicability.
The Epic LT was an American kit-built single-engined turboprop aircraft intended for private pilots. Epic Aircraft planned to sell a certified version of the LT called the Epic Dynasty, a completed aircraft. This plan was in place before the company’s bankruptcy in August 2009 and its acquisition by new owners in April 2010. Since then, they have reorganized the company and have sold the certified aircraft as Epic’s E1000.
Source: Epic Aircraft
