New Richmond, Wisconsin-based EPS Diesel expects to complete the FAA certification process by the end of this year for its Graflight 8 engine. Work toward a type certificate has been layered with the process that will lead to a production certificate. Concurrently, EPS has been expanding its facilities. The latest addition is a two-story hangar at the New Richmond Regional Airport (KRNH) that adds a total of nearly 15,000ft2 to the 9,000ft2 hangar they started with. The new structure is intended to be used for engine testing and for developing supplemental type certificates (STCs) for existing aircraft models. The facility will host state-of-the-art AC dynamometers and data acquisition systems (DAQ). The new addition also has outdoor test capabilities providing propeller test stands fully equipped with data acquisition systems and space for EPS’s novel mobile engine test laboratory (METL).
Earlier this year, the administrative staff moved into a new, larger office space. EPS also has a fourth facility that has been used for concept and conforming engine assembly. Later this year, the company will break ground for a new manufacturing building that will be set up for producing certified engines.
The Graflight 8 diesel engine, with a range of 320hp to 420hp, offers a Flat Vee configuration to fit many legacy single or twin engine aircraft and innovations including a patented glow plug, a new firing order, a carbon/steel crankcase, and software that will monitor all engine functions.
After a two-year hiatus, EPS is attending EAA’s AirVenture, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where it will occupy exhibit spaces 16 and 17, just west of Exhibit Building C. EPS President Michael Fuchs and VP Steven Weinzierl, who founded the company 11 years ago, will be presenting three forums during AirVenture.