EPS has reached another significant milestone in the development of the Graflight Flat 8 diesel engine.

Bosch has delivered First Level redundant software that is ready for three stages of testing. The tests are expected to lead to the first FAA approval according to the recently modified and more stringent DO178-C standards.

Stage one will involve ground based tests on a pedestal that will be driven to altitudes up to 14,000 feet in Colorado. Further altitude testing will then occur in an altitude chamber. Finally, in phase three, the software will be used in test flights with a conforming engine. This is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2017. The mechanical parts of the engine were advanced to conforming status this past fall. As the software is proven in testing with an engine, the project will advance significantly toward completion of the FAA Certification process.

“There are existing software programs that met the criteria for DO178-B, but the Graflight 8 will be the first to conform to the higher standards of DO178-C,” said Michael Fuchs, CEO of EPS. “We now have a highly refined engine operations program that includes the type of enhancing upgrades found in the higher class business jets. As such, the Bosch software will provide real time analysis of all systems and call out predictive maintenance diagnostics. It is a highly developed pilot information system that goes far beyond the sensitivities found in the most modern automotive engine monitoring.”

EPS reports that they are on time and on track to complete certification in 2017 and expect to have production line capability by late in the year.