US Navy partners with Electra to develop electric short takeoff and landing aircraft.

On April 24, 2024, the US company Electra announced a partnership with the US Navy to develop a ship-based electric short take-off and landing (eSTOL) aircraft, under a contract facilitated by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). This initiative is intended to integrate Electra’s hybrid-electric eSTOL technology into US Navy logistics, particularly for operations in contested areas where traditional logistics are constrained.
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Electra will collaborate with the US Navy to determine operational use cases for an electric short take-off and landing (eSTOL) aircraft. (Picture source: Electra)

Under the terms of the contract, Electra will collaborate with US Navy stakeholders to determine operational use cases for the eSTOL aircraft and conduct a conceptual design study to identify how the technology might fill existing capability gaps. Electra's technology demonstrator aircraft, which is currently in flight testing, demonstrates the ability to manage ground rolls as short as 150 feet, highlighting its potential utility in challenging environments.

Ben Marchionna, Electra's Director of Technology and Innovation, stated that the eSTOL aircraft combines hybrid-electric propulsion with a blown fixed wing, which allows it to operate from rough, limited-size fields and various naval vessels and adjacent assets. The aircraft is designed to carry nine passengers or 2,500 pounds of cargo up to 500 nautical miles. Additionally, Marchionna noted that beyond its primary logistical applications, the aircraft could support operations such as expeditionary power generation, mesh networking, and serve as a node for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2).

This project follows Electra's recent announcement of a $1.9 million contract with the U.S. Army for powered wind tunnel testing of its hybrid-electric aircraft. This contract is part of a series of engagements with the U.S. Department of Defense, indicating a growing interest in Electra’s technologies, as the project has garnered support through strategic funding of up to $85 million. Electra aims for FAA Part 23 certification by 2028, signaling ongoing efforts by this company to offer a more efficient alternative to traditional road travel by expanding air service accessibility.

Electra's eSTOL aircraft employs a specialized aerodynamic technique known as blown lift, which increases the aircraft's ability to generate lift at low speeds, specifically around 35 mph (approximately 56 km/h). This capability enables the aircraft to perform takeoffs and landings over remarkably short distances, allowing it to operate in areas as small as a soccer field. The short takeoff and landing capacity provides flexibility in choosing takeoff and landing sites, which could include both urban settings and non-traditional airstrips.

On November 20, 2023, Electra completed the first successful flights of its EL-2 Goldfinch, a demonstrator aircraft designed for hybrid-electric, ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL). The design of the Goldfinch featured eight electric propellers that increase the aircraft's lift capacity, enabling it to use significantly shorter runways. This feature is particularly geared towards operation in small, urban airports, facilitating short flights between major cities. The aircraft's test on November 11 was conducted using electric power alone, while a subsequent test on November 19 utilized a hybrid-electric system that combines battery power with a turbogenerator. This latter test achieved a flight duration of 23 minutes, reaching an altitude of 3,200 feet and covering a distance of approximately 30 miles.

John Langford, CEO of Electra, has said that the Goldfinch aims to serve distances typically traversed by cars, specifically those ranging from 50 to 500 miles. The operational focus is on efficiency in urban environments where space is limited and quick, efficient travel is necessary. Plans for a commercial version of the Goldfinch include accommodating up to nine passengers, reaching speeds of 200 mph, and maintaining the capability to operate on runways as short as 150 feet. On January 23, 2024, Electra reported that it had already secured pre-orders for over 2,000 aircraft from more than 30 customers. These pre-orders, totaling over $8 billion, indicate a broad interest from various flight operators, including the Indian company JetSetGo and the Finnish company LYGG.

On November 20, 2023, Electra completed the first successful flights of its EL-2 Goldfinch, a demonstrator aircraft featuring eight electric propellers that increase the aircraft's lift capacity, enabling it to use significantly shorter runways. (Picture source: Electra)