Wednesday, August 7, 2024
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Electra.aero, Inc. (Electra), a pioneering aerospace company focused on decarbonizing aviation and expanding air transportation markets, successfully showcased the flight capabilities of its EL-2 Goldfinch hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) technology demonstrator aircraft at NASA’s historic Langley Research Center on Monday, July 15. This milestone marks the first manned flight of an electric aircraft at NASA Langley.
Electra and NASA are collaborating on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) research, demonstrations, and information exchange under a NASA Space Act Agreement. Separately, Electra is engaged in a NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project focused on solar-electric, high-altitude, long-endurance aircraft research, known as a “high-altitude platform station” or HAPS. Additionally, Electra has contributed to a NASA study aimed at integrating communities into the national transportation network through Regional Air Mobility (RAM) by utilizing underused airports.
During a flight demonstration for NASA Langley’s research community, the eSTOL aircraft showcased its distributed electric propulsion (DEP) with blown lift technology, enabling takeoff and landing in under 150 feet. The demonstration emphasized the aircraft’s hybrid-electric capabilities for extended range and its battery-electric flight for quiet, community-friendly operations. Earlier that day, the aircraft completed a 120-mile cross-country flight from Electra’s Manassas, VA facility to NASA in Hampton, VA using its hybrid propulsion system.
Electra is developing a 9-passenger eSTOL production aircraft designed to replace short- and medium-distance vehicle trips up to 500 miles with decarbonized, quiet, and affordable air travel. This aircraft could connect Northern Virginia to the Hampton Roads area in just 35 minutes, significantly reducing the 2.5-hour drive time.
“NASA is an incredible institution that has developed many of the foundational technologies underpinning today’s aviation industry. They are now pioneering the future with advanced air mobility innovations,” said JP Stewart, Electra’s Vice President and General Manager. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with them on new technologies that will extend seamless and convenient air travel to all communities.”