[Avionics Today 12-24-2015] Epic AIrcraft completed the maiden flight of its first E1000 business jet conforming flight test article, FT1. The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) remains on schedule to achieve an FAA Type Certificate (TC) and begin deliveries in 2016.
E1000 cockpit. Photo: Epic Aircraft Co.
The Epic E1000 prototype FT1, sporting tail number N331FT, took its first flight on Dec. 19, 2015 at from the Bend Municipal Airport (KBDN).
FT1 testing will continue over the next several months, assessing general handling qualities, operational performance, systems operations in normal mode, failure scenarios, extreme conditions, and Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI) regulations. The second and final flight test article, FT2, is scheduled to launch this spring, and will reflect as closely as possible the E1000 production aircraft, both in equipment and manufacturing process. FT2 testing will focus on assessing interior and cabin functionality, including fuel, hydraulic, avionics, navigational and environmental systems.
The $2.95 million E1000 is powered by by the 1,200-horsepower Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67A turbine engine, travels at speeds over 325 knots true airspeed (KTAS), offering a range of 1,650 nautical miles, climb rate over 4,000 feet per minute, authorized ceiling of 34,000 feet, and full fuel payload of 1,120 pounds.