Virginia, USA-based Electra has revealed the design of the nine passenger, ultra short take-off and landing hybrid-electric aircraft, it is developing.
Electra has recently concluded a year of flight testing its EL2 Goldfinch two-seat prototype to validate its technology and is now starting the EL9’s development phase. The first test flights of the EL9 are planned for 2027, with certification and service entry planned for 2029 under FAA Part 23 regulations.
Electra’s aircraft take advantage of an aerodynamic concept called blown lift to enable take-offs and landings in distances of less than 150ft (45m).
The blown-lift concept uses propellers on the leading edge and large flaps at the rear of the wing to blow more incoming air downwards. This enables the aircraft to lift off the ground at slower speeds and use shorter runways.
For comparison, one of the aircraft with the shortest minimum take-off and landing distances currently available is the Pilatus PC-6 STOL single-engine turboprop, which requires a runway length of 640ft (195m). A single-aisle airliner such as the A320 requires a 6,000ft long runway.
According to Electra, which has 2,100 orders for the EL9, its short take-off and landing capability creates new opportunities to locate air services in urban areas and at regional airports. The EL9 will also operate with lower emissions and noise than conventional planes.
Marc Allen, CEO of Electra said, “This aircraft is more than a new design – it’s the gateway to a cleaner, quieter and more affordable future for regional travel. With the EL9, we’re not just making sustainable aviation a reality, we’re redefining how people and cargo move through direct aviation, a new category of safe and seamless travel that brings air mobility closer to where we live, work and play.”
The EL9 has a cruise speed of 200mph (320km/h) and has a range of 380 miles (610km) for up to nine passengers with 3,000 lbs of baggage. It has a maximum ferry range of 1,100 miles (1,770km) with reserves.
The aircraft will be certified for IFR and flight into known icing conditions. While the EL9 will be equipped with two pilot crew stations, Electra’s Safe Single Pilot technology with fly-by-wire controls will enable ease of precision landings for a single pilot.
