There are more solutions than obstacles. Nicolas Zart
Electra’s EL9 Hybrid-Electric Aircraft: A Game-Changer in Ultra-Short Takeoff
Testing at MIT’s Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel validates what Electra has claimed all along, that the EL9’s blown lift wing design unlocks seven times more wing lift with the ability to take off and land in 150 feet, 10% of the distance of conventional aircraft. ESTOL ports are now a reality!
Key Breakthroughs:
- 7X Greater Lift: Wind tunnel tests demonstrated lift coefficients exceeding 20 (vs. 2.5–3 for unblown wings).
- Soccer-Field Operations: Enables takeoff/landing in spaces as small as 150 feet, ideal for infrastructure-limited regions.
- FAA-Compliant Safety: Confirmed safe stall margins and handling under Part 23 regulations.
Why This Matters
Electra’s technology could:
- Connect underserved communities lacking runways.
- Reduce noise pollution in urban areas.
- Revolutionize military logistics with unimproved-surface landings.
- Unlock $10B market potential, with 2,200+ pre-orders from 50+ operators.
Industry & Military Endorsement
- US Army SBIR Funding: Exploring dual-use applications for warfighters.
- Chris Courtin, Electra’s Director of Technology Development:
“This validates the EL9 as both transformative and practical. We’re bringing ‘Direct Aviation’ closer to reality.”
Next Steps
- First Test Flights: 2027.
- FAA Certification: Targeted for 2029 under Part 23.
See here for our interview with Marc Ausman, VP of Sales at Electra on our podcast The Ways We Move.