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NASA Taps Electra to Design Electric Commercial Airliner of the Future

Space agency is backing the development of a new generation of aircraft in order to help decarbonize the aviation industry.

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 02:30 PM ET

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Electra shared a concept for a decarbonized commercial airliner that uses its proprietary technology. [Courtesy: Electra]

Key Takeaways:

NASA has selected Electra to develop core technologies and design concepts for a new generation of all-electric commercial airliners under its AACES 2050 program, aiming to decarbonize aviation and assert U.S. leadership.
Electra specializes in "ultra short" takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft, utilizing a blown-lift propulsion system that allows for takeoffs and landings with minimal runway length (e.g., 150 feet).
The collaboration will initially focus on Electra's nine-passenger model (EL9), expected to fly passengers and cargo by the end of the decade, with plans to scale the technology for larger aircraft and achieve cleaner skies.

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NASA is backing the development of a new generation of all-electric commercial airliners that could start flying passengers within the next few decades.

The space agency on Tuesday tapped Electra—the manufacturer of a nine-passenger “ultra short” design that requires just 150 feet of runway for takeoff and landing—to develop the core technologies and design concepts for the futuristic, new generation of aircraft.

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.