First Hybrid-Electric STOL Flight For Electra Goldfinch Demonstrator Electra is proud to announce that its Goldfinch eSTOL demonstrator took off for the first time earlier this month. The first flight took place on November 11th and again since then. The aircraft is a hybrid-electric craft that uses a runway like a conventional aircraft does but not needing alot of runway...hence its STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) credentials. The company says the aircraft only needs around 300-feet to take off.
"The first hybrid flight lasted 23 minutes, reached an altitude of 3,200 feet, and covered a distance of approximately 30 miles," said JP Stewart, vice president and general manager of Electra. "We’re looking forward to further expanding the envelope of this aircraft and demonstrating the full capability of Electra’s technology." The first flight on the 11th of November was an all-electric flight while the one on the 19th was a hybrid-electric flight.
The two-seat Goldfinch eSTOL technology demonstrator is the world’s first blown lift aircraft using distributed electric propulsion and a hybrid-electric propulsion system. The aircraft uses eight electric motors to significantly increase wing lift and enable ultra-short takeoffs and landings while dramatically reducing noise and emissions below those of conventional aircraft and helicopters. Hybrid-electric power provides long ranges without the need for ground-based charging stations. For more information: Electra Aero 10520 Wakeman Dr, Manassas, VA 20110, United States www.electra.aero ***
