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Electra Completes First Flight of Hybrid-Electric STOL Design

The journey lasted 23 minutes and covered about 30 miles at 3,200 feet in altitude, taking off from the runway at ‘neighborhood driving’ speeds.

Monday, November 20, 2023 at 04:51 PM ET

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Electra’s Goldfinch eSTOL demonstrator soars over the Virginia countryside, powered by a small turbogenerator and batteries. [Courtesy: Electra.aero]

Key Takeaways:

Electra.aero's EL-2 Goldfinch, a hybrid-electric ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) demonstrator aircraft, successfully completed its inaugural flights in Virginia in November.
The Goldfinch utilizes innovative "blown-lift" technology, allowing it to take off and land in extremely short distances, with the full-scale model projected to need only 150 feet of runway.
Designed for regional air travel and cargo logistics, the aircraft promises reduced emissions and noise, extended range, higher payload capacity, and lower operating costs compared to traditional planes or eVTOLs.
Electra has secured over 1,700 preorders and is developing a prototype for the U.S. Air Force, with FAA certification for its 9-passenger commercial model anticipated by 2028.

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The American goldfinch is no stranger to U.S. skies: The little yellow creature is the state bird of Iowa, New Jersey, and Washington. But this month in Virginia, a different, much larger species of Goldfinch flew for the first time.

Aircraft manufacturer Electra.aero’s EL-2 Goldfinch demonstrator pays homage to its namesake’s golden hue. Unlike a bird, however, the hybrid-electric ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft took off from the runway like a conventional plane once on Nov. 11 and again on Sunday, marking its inaugural flights.

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.