Ultra Short Takeoff And Landing Hybrid-Electric Aircraft

Electra.aero, of Manassas, Virginia, revealed the design of its EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft it intends for travel without airports, emissions, or noise.

The design was presented at Electra’s headquarters to an audience of more than 300 guests including aerospace leaders, partners, customers, government officials, friends, and media. Electra will now enter the development phase for the nine-seat EL9 that is supported by more than a year of flight testing its two-seat EL2 Goldfinch prototype.

The aircraft’s blown-lift technology, powered by a distributed hybrid-electric propulsion system, enables ultra-short takeoffs and landings in spaces no larger than a soccer field. Such spaces have previously been available only for helicopters and eVTOL craft.

The blown-lift system takes advantage of four independent battery packs and a small turbine-powered generator to power four electric motors on each wing. This system provides high lift at low airspeeds, enabling the aircraft to take off in as little as 150 feet. The aircraft will have a cruise speed of 175 knots with nine passengers and baggage, or 3,000 pounds of cargo, for 330 nm. It will be IFR certified with FIKI, and have two pilot stations.

“Today’s reveal of the EL9 showcases the dedication of our incredible team and partners,” said Marc Allen, CEO of Electra. “This aircraft is more than a new design—it's the gateway to a cleaner, quieter, and more affordable future for regional travel. With the EL9, we're not just making sustainable aviation a reality, we’re redefining how people and cargo move through Direct Aviation, a new category of safe and seamless travel that brings air mobility closer to where we live, work and play.”

Electra currently has an order book for over 2,100 EL9s from 52 operators worldwide.

FMI:  www.electra.aero/