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, a hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft, successfully achieved its first piloted "ultra-short" takeoff and landing, lifting off in 170 feet and landing in under 114 feet.
The demonstrator utilized a unique blown-lift design, flying as slow as 25 knots, confirming the core capability of operating from small, "soccer field-sized" spaces.
Electra plans to introduce a nine-passenger commercial eSTOL model by 2028, positioning it as a quieter, lower-emissions alternative to helicopters, and has already surpassed 2,000 preorder sales.

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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.