Will Enter the Marketplace In A Very Competitive Segment

By John Ylinen

Epic Aircraft is accelerating investments in support of its E1000 Type Certification (TC) and production ramp. With structural testing in full swing, the first conforming prototype slated to fly in coming weeks, and the E1000 production line nearing completion, Epic is within sight of the finish line, but the company does acknowledge there have been delays. 

“We are fully committed to achieving TC as quickly as possible, but there are certain elements of this process that are not in our control. Structural testing is going extremely well, validating the proven strength of the original design, and we anticipate our flight test program will proceed just as smoothly and efficiently. We are solidly on track for certification by the first half of 2016, with initial deliveries and production ramp to follow,” says Epic CEO, Doug King.

Priced at $2.95 million, the E1000 all-composite airframe, powered by the 1200-horsepower Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67A turbine engine, travels at speeds over 325 KTAS, offering a range of 1,650 nautical miles, and a payload of 1,120+ pounds with full fuel. “This is a true ‘fill the tanks’ and ‘fill the seats’ airplane, delivering jet-class performance at turboprop prices,” said Doug King, Epic CEO.  But they will have stiff competition from Piper, TBM, Eclipse, Cirrus, Cessna and others, when they finally are able to deliver production aircraft.  Recent layoffs from Piper as they try to bring their new M600 to market show the challenges in this space.
 
Epic did indicate that they have adequate funding to complete certification and have the capacity to meet initial orders.  During Q/A, they said there are 60 airplanes deposits.
 
As most of this segment is owner flown, it remains to be seen if there is adequate demand to support the multiple offerings and how the new entries will fair.

(Images provided by Epic Aircraft)

FMI: www.epicaircraft.com