Epic adds Autoland to E1000 AX turboprop

Epic Aircraft, makers of a single engine turboprop, is the latest to upgrade its Garmin G1000 NXi flightdeck with Autoland, Autothrottle and a host of other safety features that come with the avionics suite.

The Epic E1000 AX made its public debut at Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida which is on this week.

In fact, there are 25 new features, including Garmin® Autothrottle and Autoland, enough for Epic to rename the aircraft from GX to AX.

Doug King, CEO of Epic Aircraft, said, “The E1000 AX is a testament to our team’s passionate and ongoing commitment to adding automated, safety-enhancing tools and technology for pilots and passengers. We are dedicated to setting a new standard in safety as well as performance and comfort.”

Epic E1000 AX flightdeck

Garmin Autothrottle, fully integrated with the G1000 NXi system, automatically manages engine power from take-off to landing, ensuring optimal power settings and protecting against throttle rollback, overtemperature, and overtorque conditions. It also enhances safety by adjusting power in overspeed, underspeed and engine failure scenarios while considering flap and gear positions.

Garmin Autoland autonomously lands the aircraft if a pilot is unable to fly. Passengers can activate Garmin Autoland with the push of an activation button. But – and this is the scary bit – Autoland can engage automatically when it determines the pilot is unable to fly the plane.

Once engaged, Autoland will scan its options and choose the best airport for landing. It takes into consideration distance, runway length, fuel range and other factors to make this selection. After selecting a destination for landing, Autoland will head toward that runway while navigating around obstacles such as hazardous terrain or weather as it flies the plane and will automatically communicate its intentions to both the flight’s passengers and air traffic control. When the aircraft reaches its identified destination, Autoland will land the aircraft and shut down the engine.

Epic showed the certification test aircraft at Sun ‘n Fun Expo

Additional new features of the E1000 AX include:

• Automatic Yaw Damper Engages automatically after take-off and before landing to maintain rudder coordination through the flight
• Electronic Brake Hold Electronically applies the brakes to prevent aircraft movement
• Expansive Windscreen with CoolView Windows Optimises crew visibility, reduces glare, and provides UV protection
• Garmin GDL® 60 with PlaneSync™ Technology Automates database updates, enables remote access to check the state of your airplane and simplifies flight plan entry
• GRA 5500 Radar Altimeter Increases positional awareness with above-ground (AGL) radio altitude
• 3D SafeTaxi & Taxiway Routing Heightens positional awareness
• 8000 GWX™ 8000 StormOptix™ Weather Radar Increases safety with real-time depiction of thunderstorms
• True Blue Power® Intelligent Lithium-Ion Batteries Delivers longer life, higher voltage during engine starts and reduces maintenance costs.

Powered by the Pratt & Whitney 1200hp PT6-67A engine, the Epic E1000 AX single-engine turboprop flies at a max cruise speeds of 333kt, climbs at 4,000 ft/min, operates up to 34,000ft and offers a full fuel payload of 1,150 lb — 50 pounds more than the E1000 GX. That’s 522kg.

Coinciding with the launch of the E1000 AX, Epic is unveiling new paint schemes. The Skyline Collection includes eight innovative schemes and over 200 PPG paint colours.

Epic Aircraft