MANASSAS, Va. – The contract will fund a range of research and testing activities focused on hybrid-electric powertrain, power, and propulsion systems (HEPPS). Electra will apply these efforts to its EL9, a nine-passenger ultra-short takeoff and landing (Ultra-STOL) aircraft currently in development.
According to a press release from Electra, the project will deliver “valuable insights and test data to help the Army understand the benefits, trade-offs, and operational procedures associated with operating hybrid-electric propulsion systems.”
“This work gives the Army a clear path forward in understanding how hybrid-electric technologies can support real operational demands, while enabling entirely new logistics capabilities,” said Donn Yates, Vice President of Government Programs at Electra. “Electra’s hybrid-electric Ultra-STOL aircraft redefines what’s possible for Army Aviation with its ability to operate from small, rugged sites, reduce fuel demand, and increase flexibility for the commander.”
Electra’s EL2 prototype aircraft has already demonstrated ultra-short takeoff and landing in under 150 feet. The EL9 is designed to operate in helicopter-sized spaces and deliver mobile power, while retaining the range and safety of a fixed-wing aircraft. Over the next 18 months, Electra will carry out a six-part effort that includes trade studies, operational analysis, modeling, simulation, and flight testing.
The company has previously flown the NASA Administrator aboard the EL2—the first time a U.S. government agency head has flown in an electric aircraft. This marks the sixth contract the Army has awarded to Electra to support the development of its Ultra-STOL technology.
Electra.aero, Inc. (Electra), a Manassas-based aerospace company focused on decarbonizing aviation and expanding air transportation markets, has achieved a significant milestone. The company announced the successful high-performance ultra-short flight operations of its piloted blown-lift hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) demonstrator aircraft, the EL-2 Goldfinch.
"Today's achievement is monumental as our eSTOL aircraft has proven its capability to operate from spaces shorter than 300 feet," said JP Stewart, Electra Vice President and General Manager. "The aircraft's low-speed handling has been exceptional, closely matching our predictions and building confidence in the 9-passenger product design. We will continue developing our technologies to enhance the STOL takeoff and landing performance."
The test flights, piloted by Cody Allee, were conducted in April and May 2024 at Manassas Regional Airport and Warrenton-Fauquier Airport in Virginia. The longest flight lasted 1 hour and 43 minutes, with the aircraft taking off in less than 170 feet and landing in under 114 feet. The aircraft reached an altitude of 6,500 feet and flew as slowly as 25 knots during takeoff and landing. Data from these flights will inform the design of Electra's 9-passenger commercial eSTOL aircraft, targeted for commercial service in 2028 under FAA Part 23 regulations.
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"Electra.aero, Inc. ("Electra"), a next-gen aerospace company committed to decarbonizing aviation and opening new air transportation markets, today announced a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract from the U.S. Army valued at $1.9 million that funds powered wind tunnel testing of Electra’s hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft. The award enables the U.S. Army to explore Electra’s unique blown wing aircraft technology potential to broaden U.S. military capabilities, especially for fuel-efficient, resilient logistics in contested environments," states a press release.
"(Electra) is a next-gen aerospace company leading the way in sustainable urban and regional mobility. The company is building clean, hybrid-electric, short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) airplanes that fly people and cargo quieter, further, and more affordably. Electra's technology delivers 2.5x the payload and 10X longer range with 70% lower operating costs than vertical takeoff alternatives with far less certification risk."
