Lockheed Martin Skunk Works has signed a memorandum of understanding with Electra to accelerate development of the EL9 ultra-short takeoff and landing aircraft.
The collaboration will focus on digital engineering, manufacturing, supply chain management, sustainment and global business development for the hybrid-electric aircraft. Both companies will assess opportunities for potential programs with the US Department of Defense and international customers.
According to Electra, the EL9 can take off and land in 150 feet (46m) from unimproved surfaces while carrying 1,000 pounds (454kg) over 1,000 miles (1,609km). The aircraft targets applications including logistics, mobile power generation and emergency response operations.
The ultra-short takeoff and landing capability enables operations in austere areas while maintaining fixed-wing aircraft safety and range characteristics. The EL9’s hybrid-electric propulsion system provides quiet operation compared to conventional aircraft.
“Lockheed Martin’s breadth of manufacturing, supply chain and military customer expertise is the perfect complement to Electra’s EL9 commercialization strategy,” said Marc Allen, chief executive of Electra. “This relationship will accelerate our speed to market to bring the EL9’s capabilities to our military customers.”
Lockheed Martin brings defense manufacturing expertise and military customer relationships to the partnership. The company’s Skunk Works division specializes in advanced aircraft development and prototype programs for government and commercial applications.
“Electra has driven innovation in the hybrid-electric space, and we’re excited to collaborate with them to accelerate their development,” said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works.
The agreement expands the strategic relationship between the companies established in 2022 when Lockheed Martin Ventures invested in Electra’s Series A funding round. The earlier cooperation agreement included strategic partnership elements alongside the financial investment.
Electra’s EL9 addresses military requirements for aircraft capable of operating from short, unprepared airstrips. The hybrid-electric propulsion system combines conventional engines with electric motors to enable the ultra-short takeoff and landing performance.
The collaboration will leverage Lockheed Martin’s experience in defense procurement processes and global military customer relationships. Electra contributes hybrid-electric aircraft technology and ultra-short takeoff and landing capabilities.
Both companies will explore defense applications where the EL9’s unique operational characteristics provide advantages over conventional aircraft. The quiet operation and short field performance enable missions in contested or austere environments.
The memorandum of understanding establishes framework for cooperation across multiple development areas. Manufacturing and supply chain collaboration will support EL9 production scaling as the aircraft approaches commercial availability.
