Thursday, July 18, 2024 Electra.aero, Inc. (Electra), an innovative aerospace company focused on reducing aviation’s carbon footprint and creating new air transport markets, has successfully conducted off-runway test flights of its EL-2 Goldfinch hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) technology demonstrator aircraft.
These tests took place on a grass field near Electra’s facility in Manassas, VA. The flights showcased the eSTOL aircraft’s capability to operate from minimally prepared fields smaller than 300 feet. The aircraft executed multiple takeoffs and landings from a grass area, demonstrating a maximum performance climb-out of 32 degrees suitable for many military missions.
Additionally, the aircraft did not require charging infrastructure, as its batteries are recharged in-flight by the hybrid propulsion system. This dual-use technology is ideal for serving as a small, fuel-efficient, and cost-effective airlifter, supporting Agile Combat Employment and expeditionary missions while minimizing the operational energy footprint. Small, affordable, runway-independent eSTOL aircraft could also reduce the demand on larger, scarce high-performance fixed-wing and rotorcraft platforms in contested logistics environments.
“The Electra eSTOL technologies increase the number of available landing sites by orders of magnitude relative to traditional fixed wing aircraft while providing for higher cruise speeds, lower costs, and lower noise than vertical lift solutions. These first flights from a field demonstrate the beginnings of this strong capability that we will continue to develop,” said JP Stewart, Electra’s Vice President and General Manager. In addition to the grass operations, the test campaign included acoustic data collection to confirm the low-noise capabilities of the eSTOL technologies.
The aircraft achieved quiet operations at under 55 decibels during a 500-foot overflight, a sound level comparable to human conversation. At typical cruising altitudes, the aircraft will blend into the background noise, making it inaudible. Future test flights will take place in even rougher and more confined areas as the program progresses.
Electra is developing a production aircraft capable of carrying 9 passengers or 2,500 pounds of cargo up to 500 miles, while maintaining STOL, austere operations, and low-noise capabilities. The company aims to achieve aircraft certification and commence commercial service under FAA Part 23 regulations by 2028..
