Epic Aircraft introduces E1000 AX

Epic Aircraft unveiled its latest high-performance, single-engine turbine model, the E1000 AX, at the 2025 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo.

The next-generation aircraft offers more than 25 new features over the E1000GX, including Garmin Autothrottle and Autoland, according to company officials.

Garmin Autothrottle, integrated with the G1000 NXi system, automatically manages engine power from takeoff to landing, ensuring optimal power settings and protecting against throttle rollback, overtemperature, and overtorque conditions, Epic Aircraft officials said, noting it also enhances safety by adjusting power in overspeed, underspeed, and engine failure scenarios while considering flap and gear positions.

Meanwhile, Garmin Autoland autonomously lands the airplane if a pilot is unable to fly. Passengers can activate Garmin Autoland with the push of a button.

But if they aren’t sure where the activation button is located — or there are no passengers on the flight — Autoland can engage automatically when it determines the pilot is unable to fly the plane, company officials said.

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 while automatically communicating its intentions to both the flight’s passengers and air traffic control. When the airplane reaches its identified destination, Autoland will land the aircraft and shut down the engine.

Additional new features of the E1000 AX include:

• Automatic Yaw Damper: Engages automatically after takeoff and before landing to maintain rudder coordination through the flight
• Electronic Brake Hold: Electronically applies the brakes to prevent aircraft movement
• 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

The E1000 AX is equipped with the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite, offering features such as synthetic vision, GPS, traffic, weather, terrain, and engine monitoring systems. It is also equipped with the Garmin GFC 700 AFCS autopilot.

Powered by the Pratt & Whitney 1200-horsepower PT6-67A engine, the Epic E1000 AX single-engine turboprop flies at max cruise speeds of 333 knots, climbs at 4,000 feet per minute, operates up to 34,000 feet, and offers a full fuel payload of 1,150 pounds, 50 pounds more than the E1000 GX, company officials report.

Company officials note FAA certification is underway, with first deliveries expected in the summer of 2025.

For more information: EpicAircraft.com