eSTOL Aircraft Maker Electra Secures New Investment, Signs Air Force Contract

Funding and agreement will speed development and commercialization of the company's aircraft, which takes off from runways as short as 150 feet.

Jack Daleo

Friday, August 04, 2023 at 02:46 PM ET

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Electra’s two-seater eSTOL demonstrator, unveiled in June. [Courtesy: Electra.aero]

Key Takeaways:

Electra.aero has secured new investment from climate technology fund Statkraft Ventures and finalized an $85 million partnership with the U.S. Air Force's AFWERX to accelerate the development and commercialization of its eSTOL aircraft.
The company's hybrid-electric eSTOL aircraft is designed to take off and land in just 150 feet, offer a 400 nm range, carry up to nine passengers, and boasts a simpler certification path under FAA Part 23 compared to eVTOLs.
With over 1,200 preorders globally, Electra aims for FAA certification by 2028, targeting diverse applications like regional transport, cargo logistics, and humanitarian aid, while claiming significant operational advantages over eVTOL alternatives.

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As electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft manufacturer Electra.aero works to shorten the runway for others, the startup this week shortened its own runway to launch.

The company last week announced it secured an undisclosed investment from climate technology fund Statkraft Ventures to support the development and commercialization of its production aircraft, which is expected to require just 150 feet of takeoff and landing space.