Aircraft Investor Resources (AIR) plans to deliver the first Epic LT single-engined turboprop kit at year-end.
A certificated version of the six-seat aircraft, which made its first flight on 17 July and its AirVenture debut last week, is being developed with certification earmarked for late next year. "We are now taking the programme to a new level," says AIR co-owner and chief executive Rick Schrameck. "We are holding talks during the show with three potential partnerships, each of which have different business propositions," he adds.
The undisclosed parties, from three continents, consist of two manufacturing joint ventures and one investor partnership. Schrameck says an international tie-up would call for the Epic to be manufactured outside the USA and the green aircraft shipped back for final assembly. Schrameck suggests completion of the certificated Epic, which will sell for under $2 million, will require less than $50 million.
Source: Flight International
