Epic Aircraft's Single-Engine Victory Jet Makes First Flight

To Premiere Alongside Elite VLJ At AirVenture 2007

At the 2006 Lakeland Fly-In in April, Epic Aircraft announced one of many lofty goals: to fly two newly-designed, just-announced aircraft -- the Victory single engine jet, and Elite twin-engine VLJ -- to Oshkosh later in the year.

As they say... it ain't bragging if you can do it, and Epic looks well on its way to making good on those promises. As ANN reported, Epic flew the Elite in June... and earlier this month, the company's Victory made its first flight from Redmond, a mere 202 days after work began on the plane.

"In our research, we did not find ANY other company out there that can demonstrate this kind of focus and commitment to bring an aircraft from the proverbial drawing boards to reality in this length of time," said Epic CEO Rick Schrameck. "I’ve always said that Epic has the best engineers and manufacturing talent in the world, and I think this clearly proves it!"

Schrameck also expressed thanks to local FAA officials. "Quick response from the Seattle MIDO and Portland FSDO allowed us to get this jet flying on our schedule," added Schrameck. "And we are grateful for their efforts."

The all-composite Victory Jet uses a single Williams International FJ-33-4A. Epic touts a distinct advantage: that even with full fuel, the Victory still offers more than 900 lbs of payload -- enough for 4-5 passengers and their luggage, while flying at more than 320 KTAS.

With one goal nearly fulfilled, Epic now must make good on its promise to deliver at least six of the new experimental jets to customers before the end of 2007. Schrameck says Epic will make good on that promise, and at the promised price.

"This VLJ has been brought to market with a price tag of less than a million dollars," added Schrameck. "And this is not a promotional price or a price in 2002 dollars like we’ve seen with other jets. This is the Victory price today."

In line with other Epic aircraft, the new Victory VLJ will first be available as an ownerbuilt aircraft via the company’s Customer Build Center in Bend. The single-engine Victory and the twin-engine Elite jets are scheduled to fly into Oshkosh the morning of July 23.

FMI: www.epicaircraft.com

Epic Aircraft has announced the first flight of its new Elite single-pilot, twin-engine VLJ. The company says the "flawless" first flight Thursday lasted more than 40 minutes, and gave company test pilots Dave Morss and Len Fox the chance to explore the aircraft's control surfaces and low level performance capabilities.

"What an amazingly wonderful airplane to fly!" Fox said after the flight. "It's not often when an airplane actually flies better than we'd expected, but the Elite is one of those aircraft!"

The carbon fiber Elite is powered by two Williams Jet FJ33-4 engines which deliver 3120 pounds of thrust. Epic states the new jet can reach FL410 in less than 17 minutes and boasts a top speed of 410 KTAS. The company expects range at economy cruise to be more than 1600 miles with reserves and 1330 lbs. of usable payload after fuel.

The cockpit features the all-glass Garmin G900X panels, and Epic says the Elite will be RVSM compliant. Like the company's other offerings, Epic notes the Elite will be able to take off with all the seats occupied, and at full fuel and luggage.

The Epic Elite is scheduled to fly into this year's AirVenture at Oshkosh, making its first formal public debut at 10:30 am Monday, July 23rd at AeroShell Square. As ANN reported earlier this year, Epic also expects to fly its single-engine Victory jet into Oshkosh, seven months from a clean sheet design. The jets will accompany Epic's current LT and Dynasty turboprop offerings.

Epic says the Elite Jet will first be available in 2007 as 6-7 passenger owner-built aircraft. A 6-8 passenger version of the jet is expected to be certified in late 2009.

FMI: www.epicaircraft.com

The technology which made the Epic Dynasty and the Epic LT out perform every aircraft in their class has evolved. Meet the newest, most exciting of the VLJs: the single-pilot twin-engine Epic Elite Jet. Take a sleek and spacious carbon composite design, match it with 3100 lbs of thrust from two Williams FJ33-4A FADEC engines and you’ll receive Epic Performance.

Design
The computer-designed fuselage allows the Elite to mopicve through the air like the jet was invisible, creating a minimum of disturbance and drag, while delivering a brilliant ride all the way to Flight Level 410. The carbon composite construction requires no rivets or stir welding producing a smooth and fast surface. As a result, the Elite offers more speed and a more functional cabin and cockpit for an airplane that’s as eager to fly as you are.

Performance
The Elite can cruise at 410 KTAS and travel more than 1600 nautical miles with a payload of nearly 1700 lbs. Take off with 6-8 passengers, full fuel and ample space for luggage. That’s what you would expect from a company whose motto is "Fill it up. Go the distance. Leave nothing behind."

Luxury
Up front, the pilots enjoy generous foot and shoulder room plus a field of view no other aircraft offers. Ergonomic seats place the flight crew comfortably in front of a state-of-the-art glass cockpit. The Elite provides seamless, all-weather situational awareness and the ability to put the most advanced technology at the pilot’s finger tips. In the cabin, deep-cushion premium leather seats recline to cradle passengers in ultimate luxury. Interior trim elements, custom cabinetry, lavatory and multimedia options are all available, pushing the Elite to the upper tier of the VLJ market. And a maximum cabin pressurization of 8.5 psi means an enjoyable flight for everyone from beginning to end.

Availability
The new Elite will be available as 7-place, experimental category jet in 2007. A 6 to 8-place certified version of the jet is schedule for 2009. Delivery positions for both jets are available now.