(12/08/24)
Electra, a next-gen aerospace company,
demonstrated the flight capabilities of its EL-2 Goldfinch
hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) technology
demonstrator aircraft at NASA’s historic Langley Research Center
last month.
The achievement marks the first flight of an
electric aircraft with a pilot onboard at NASA Langley.
Electra and NASA are working together on Advanced
Air Mobility (AAM) research, demonstrations and information
sharing under a NASA Space Act Agreement.
In a separate effort,
Electra is working under a NASA Small Business Innovation Research
(SBIR) project on solar-electric, high-altitude, long-endurance
aircraft research called a “high-altitude platform station” or
HAPS.
Electra has also contributed to a NASA study on connecting
communities into the national transportation network through
Regional Air Mobility (RAM) using underutilized airports.
EL-2 Goldfinch hybrid-electric eSTOL aircraft
The flight demo for NASA Langley’s research
community showcased the eSTOL aircraft’s use of distributed
electric propulsion (DEP) with blown lift technology, which is
capable of taking off and landing in under 150 feet.
The
demonstration highlighted the aircraft’s hybrid-electric
capabilities for longer range potential and battery-electric
flight for quiet, community-friendly operations.
Earlier that day,
the aircraft completed the 120-mile cross-country flight from
Electra’s Manassas, VA facility to NASA in Hampton, VA using the
hybrid propulsion system.
Electra is developing a 9-passenger eSTOL
production aircraft designed to replace short and medium-distance
vehicle trips up to 500 miles with decarbonized, quiet and
affordable air travel.
The aircraft would be able to connect Northen Virginia to the Hampton Roads area in a quick 35-minute
flight, rather than the 2.5 hours it takes to drive today.
“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,” said JP Stewart, Electra’s
Vice President and General Manager. “We look forward to continuing
our collaboration with them on new technologies that will extend
seamless and convenient air travel to all communities.”
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