Epic Aircraft has received FAA approval for installation of the Garmin GWX 8000 StormOptix weather radar in the E1000, E1000 GX, and E1000 AX turboprop singles. The radar is housed in a laminar-flow radome mounted near the right wingtip and does not affect cruise speed.
Equipped with a 10-inch antenna, the radar features full antenna stabilization; horizontal and vertical scanning profiles to give pilots a clearer view of weather at various heights; ground clutter suppression; Garmin’s Watch technology to identify potential radar-shadowing zones; an expanded color palette; ground-mapping mode; StormOptix volumetric auto-scan to analyze size, shape, and intensity of storm cells; lightning and hail prediction; and turbulence detection.
“The Garmin GWX 8000 StormOptix weather radar is now available as an optional upgrade for our certified models,” said Epic Aircraft CEO Doug King. “E1000 AX customers who selected the radar option will receive their aircraft with it installed. All existing E1000 and E1000 GX aircraft are already pre-wired for radar, and installation can be completed in the field through one of our authorized service centers. Our engineering and flight test teams worked closely to integrate the radar in a way that preserves the aircraft’s performance.”