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NASA Taps Electra to Design Electric Commercial Airliner of the Future

Space agency is backing the development of a new generation of aircraft in order to help decarbonize the aviation industry.

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 02:30 PM ET

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Electra shared a concept for a decarbonized commercial airliner that uses its proprietary technology. [Courtesy: Electra]

Key Takeaways:

NASA has partnered with Electra to develop core technologies for a new generation of all-electric commercial airliners under its Advanced Aircraft Concepts for Environmental Sustainability (AACES) 2050 program.
Electra's current nine-passenger "ultra short" takeoff and landing (STOL) design, utilizing a unique blown-lift propulsion system, is the focus, with NASA aiming to scale this technology for larger aircraft.
The collaboration seeks to decarbonize commercial aviation, with Electra planning to integrate AACES technologies into its EL9 production model and begin passenger and cargo service by the end of the decade.

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NASA is backing the development of a new generation of all-electric commercial airliners that could start flying passengers within the next few decades.

The space agency on Tuesday tapped Electra—the manufacturer of a nine-passenger “ultra short” design that requires just 150 feet of runway for takeoff and landing—to develop the core technologies and design concepts for the futuristic, new generation of aircraft.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.