Electra has unveiled the design of its groundbreaking EL9 Ultra Short hybrid electric product aircraft, a nine-seat piloted aircraft built for an electric future that redefines air travel without airports, emissions or noise. Electra has now entered the development phase of the EL9, building on more than a year of successful flight testing of the EL2 Goldfinch two-seat prototype, demonstrating the technology’s readiness for the future of electric aviation.
Electra’s innovative EL9 hybrid electric propulsion system with blown lift technology enables ultra-short takeoffs and landings in spaces the size of a football field previously limited to helicopters and eVTOLs, but offers improved safety and reliability of stationary vehicles at one-third the cost. . wing aircraft. This unlocks thousands of new locations for direct air service, including small regional airports or unconventional locations such as lawns or parking lots, providing seamless point-to-point regional connectivity for both passengers and cargo. The EL9 aircraft has significantly lower emissions and noise than conventional aircraft, and its hybrid power system provides extended range and the ability to recharge on-board batteries without the need for ground charging stations.
“Today’s unveiling of EL9 demonstrates the dedication of our amazing team and partners,” said Marc Allen, CEO of Electra. “This aircraft is more than a new design. This is the gateway to a cleaner, quieter and more affordable future for regional travel. With EL9, we are not only making sustainable aviation a reality, but also 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. is redefining . ”
The EL9 combines blown lift technology with distributed electric propulsion using four independent battery packs and a small turbine-driven generator driving eight electric motors distributed along the wings to provide high lift at low speeds. The aircraft can take off and land at a short distance of 150 feet and cruise at a speed of 175 knots. With the range and payload capacity for critical flight missions, the EL9 will carry nine passengers and baggage or 3,000 pounds of cargo for 330 nautical miles, with IFR reserve for a maximum ferry range of 1,100 nautical miles. You will be certified to fly in IFR and known icing conditions. While the EL9 is equipped with a two-pilot crew station, Electra’s safe single-pilot technology with fly-by-wire control makes precision landings easy for a single pilot.
Electra has received more than 2,100 orders for the EL9 from 52 operators worldwide, representing a market value of more than $8 billion. The first test flight is planned for 2027, with certification and entry into service under FAA Part 23 regulations expected in 2029.
The EL9 design was presented to an audience of more than 300 people, including aerospace industry leaders, partners, customers, government officials, media and friends, at Electra headquarters in Manassas, Virginia.
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