13 June 2023
Just ahead of the Paris Air Show, US company Electra.aero has unveiled a full-scale technology demonstrator for its hybrid-electric ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft.
Electra’s eSTOL demonstrator is said to be the world’s first blown lift aircraft using distributed electric propulsion, which enables the aircraft to take off and land in very short spaces – as little as 300ft.
It has eight motors to provide additional wing lift, and hybrid-electric power that provides internal recharging capabilities for aircraft batteries, eliminating the need for new ground infrastructure.
The two-seat piloted aircraft will be flown this summer in flight tests to track performance and inform the design of Electra’s planned 9-passenger production aircraft.
John S. Langford, founder and CEO of Electra.aero, said, “In the three years since we founded Electra, we’ve designed our eSTOL aircraft, validated our blown lift technology with a sub-scale demonstrator, and run a fully integrated test of our 150-kilowatt hybrid-electric generator at full scale.
“Now we’re ready to test the entire system with this technology demonstrator aircraft. We can’t wait to fly this plane and show the world what our eSTOL aircraft can do.”
Bristow is working with Electra. This artist’s impression shows the hybrid-electric eSTOL aircraft in company colours. Images: Electra.aero
Electra says its eSTOL production aircraft will deliver the operational flexibility of a helicopter with the safety and economics of a conventional fixed-wing aircraft.
Electra plans to fly a prototype of the 9-passenger production aircraft in 2025, with certification and entry into service in 2028 under FAA Part 23 regulation.
Performance targets include a payload of 9 passengers or 2,500 lb, 400nm range plus 45-minute reserve, cruise speed of 175kt and a quiet take-off with less than 75 decibels at 300ft.
There’s a lot riding on the test aircraft. Electra says it holds letters of intent from more than 30 customers for over 1200 of its 9-passenger production eSTOL aircraft, valued at more than $4 billion. Potential customers include Bristow which is working actively with Electra during the development process.
