Electra’s eSTOL Demonstrator Uses Distributed Electric Propulsion

Electra’s hybrid-electric eSTOL demonstrator, the EL-2 Goldfinch, successfully completed a demonstration of its STOL and flight capabilities at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.

Electra and NASA are collaborating on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) research, development, demonstrations, and information sharing under the auspices of a NASA Space Act Agreement. Separately, under a NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project, Electra is developing a solar-electric, high-altitude, long-endurance aircraft called the “high altitude platform station” (HAPS).

The demo for NASA Langley highlighted the eSTOL Goldfinch’s use of distributed electric propulsion (DEP) with blown lift technology capable of taking off and landing in under 150 feet. The demo flight was conducted from Electra’s Manassas, Virginia, facility to NASA Langley, a 120-mile cross-country flight.

In blown lift technology, airflow is directed over the wings and trailing edge flaps by an array of propellers driven by their own motors. The accelerated airflow creates a sheet of air coming off the trailing edge that makes the wing behave larger than it actually is.

Electra is developing a 9-passenger eSTOL production aircraft intended for replacing short- and medium-distance trips of up to 500 miles.

JP Stewart, Electra’s Vice President and General Manager said, "NASA is an incredible institution that has developed many of the foundational technologies underpinning today’s aviation industry. They are now pioneering the future with advanced air mobility innovations. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with them on new technologies that will extend seamless and convenient air travel to all communities."

FMI:  electra.aero/