Advanced Air Mobility Modern Flying News

Electra Achieves Takeoff, Landing With Under 170 Feet of Runway

The manufacturer’s hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) demonstrator completes the first crewed flight test of its foundational capability.

Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 02:50 PM ET

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Electra.aero’s hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) demonstrator takes to the skies following its first piloted “ultra-short” takeoff. [Courtesy: Electra.aero]

Key Takeaways:

Electra's EL-2 Goldfinch demonstrator successfully completed its first piloted "ultra-short" takeoff (170 feet) and landing (under 114 feet ground roll), validating the blown-lift technology for its hybrid-electric eSTOL aircraft.
This achievement proves the aircraft's capability to operate from very small spaces, which is central to Electra's vision for its future nine-passenger commercial model.
Electra's eSTOL aircraft is designed as a quieter, lower-emissions alternative to helicopters for diverse applications, targeting a commercial market launch by 2028.
The company has garnered significant interest, with over 2,000 preorders and development contracts with the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force.

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Electra, the manufacturer of a hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft designed to operate from soccer field-sized spaces, has reached a critical milestone in the development of its flagship, nine-passenger design.

The manufacturer on Wednesday announced that its EL-2 Goldfinch demonstrator—a two-seat version of the design used in testing—achieved its first piloted “ultra-short” takeoff and landing, lifting off with just 170 feet of runway and touching down with under 114 feet ground roll.

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.