Electra’s EL2: A Hybrid Aircraft Achieving 150-Foot Takeoffs at NY Airport
Electra.aero recently marked a significant milestone in aviation history. Their hybrid-electric ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft, the EL2, successfully demonstrated helicopter-like takeoffs and landings at Watertown International Airport in New York. The EL2 technology demonstrator astoundingly operated within a mere 150-foot section of pavement adjacent to the main runway.
The EL2’s groundbreaking “blown lift” design features eight electric motors mounted on the wings. It also boasts a hybrid-electric propulsion system that uses a turbogenerator to recharge batteries in flight. This innovative approach eliminates the need for ground charging infrastructure. As a result, the aircraft can take off and land at speeds as slow as 35 mph. This opens up exciting possibilities for operations from small airstrips, campus grounds, and even parking lots.
“Our Ultra Short aircraft will offer the potential to increase the use of general aviation airports and expand the capacity of larger hubs. This is possible by enabling takeoffs and landings on ramps and taxiways instead of runways,” said Tom Carto, Director of Market Development at Electra. The invaluable data from these tests will inform the design of Electra’s nine-passenger commercial EL9 aircraft, which is expected to begin flight testing in 2027.
Source: General Aviation News