Electra’s EL-2 Goldfinch demonstrator sits outside NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. [Courtesy: Electra]
Key Takeaways:
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson will fly in Electra's EL-2 Goldfinch, an experimental hybrid-electric aircraft capable of ultra-short takeoffs and landings (STOL) with less than 150 feet of ground roll.
The flight will demonstrate the Goldfinch's blown-lift propulsion system and a battery-only landing, showcasing technology vital for future sustainable aviation.
Electra was contracted by NASA under its AACES 2050 program to develop core designs for a new generation of all-electric commercial airliners, aiming to decarbonize aviation.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson is putting his money where his mouth is.
The space agency on Thursday said the 82-year-old Nelson will take a ride in manufacturer Electra’s EL-2 Goldfinch—a hybrid-electric, experimental aircraft prototype designed to take off and land within soccer field-sized spaces.
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
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.
