Epic Aircraft delivers first two E1000 aircraft

June 15, 2020 - United States Of America

Epic Aircraft, a privately held, design-driven aviation company, has delivered its first two E1000 all composite, single-engine turboprop aircraft, after the successful conclusion of its FAA Type Certification programme last year. Epic has advance E1000 deposits from customers in the US, Canada, Mexico, Central/South America, Europe, Russia and South Africa.

“Completing these deliveries is a tremendous milestone for our company and our customers. The E1000 is a remarkable aircraft and seeing the enthusiasm of our owners as they take delivery is extremely gratifying. This is the successful culmination of eight years of hard work, extensive investment, and a passionate belief in our product,” said Epic CEO, Doug King.

The first customer aircraft, delivered in February, is being leased back to Epic to support several priority engineering projects. The second aircraft has also been delivered to its owner, after experiencing several delays related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When I decided to purchase an Epic, I could see that this is the aircraft of the future,” commented Epic owner, Lawrence Brooke, upon taking delivery of his E1000. “Nothing can match the combination of speed, range, payload, comfort, versatility, and affordability as an Epic E1000.”

Powered by the Pratt & Whitney 1200-horsepower PT6A-67A, the all carbon fibre E1000 cruises over 330 knots, climbs at 4,000 feet per minute, offers a full-fuel payload of nearly 1,100 pounds, with coast to coast coverage on one fuel stop, and is RVSM certified to 34,000 feet.

“This is a true performance aircraft able to compete directly with my Phenom 100, but at less than half the operating cost. Plus, it provides access to shorter airstrips that jets just can’t reach,” added Brooke. “Epic is an innovative company that complements its exceptional engineering and technology with a highly personalised approach to doing business. As a customer, I feel like part of a family.”

Despite the recent pandemic-related setbacks, Epic operations are returning to full capacity and the company intends to ramp customer deliveries as quickly as possible.

“The challenges presented by COVID-19 have been unexpected and considerable. But never underestimate the skills and determination of our dedicated staff, who have persevered, engineered, and improvised in order to keep our production lines moving, so we can deliver planes and meet customer expectations,” said King. “We have an incredible team and I am honoured to work with them.”

Epic has advance E1000 deposits from customers in the US, Canada, Mexico, Central/South America, Europe, Russia and South Africa. The company owns production facilities totalling over 300,000 square feet at its Bend Airport headquarters.