A Look At The Electra eSTOL Aircraft Electra is producing a hybrid-electric short take off and landing (eSTOL) aircraft. So these are not eVTOLs that need to take off and land vertically. Neither are they CTOL like the the CX300 that Beta Technologies are in process of certifying. They are closer to the CX300 only from the standpoint of them using a conventional runway. The Electra eSTOL aircraft will be able to utilize just 300-feet of runway to take off. As a result, there are a myriad of underutilized airports in the United States that this aircraft could use in the future having better point-to-point connections for freight and passenger services.
In its freighter mode it can carry up to 2,500 lbs and easily fly for 400 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 175-knots. Only needing around 300 feet to get off the ground thanks to its 'Blown lift technology'. Originally the aircraft was to be a bit smaller than what you see today which was at the time calling for 1,800 lbs capacity with a range in the region of 500 nautical miles but with consultation with some of their prospective customers they were clearly asking for a slightly bigger aircraft with greater carrying capacity that would not hit the range capabilities significantly.
Electra has LOIs and commitments from a number of customers including helicopter specialist Bristow. They have commitments from around the world covering places like Australia and Southeast Asia. Flyv, Ebird, Harbour Air, Tailwind Air, Welojets, Flapper, Yugo, Gold Aviation and many more. They continue to need the funding from partners to see the continued development of the program. In January, The U.S. Air Force AFWERX innovation arm for a Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) award that secures up to $85 million between private investments, government funding, and matching Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding for Electra’s development of a full-scale pre-production prototype electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft. There is still some time before the Electra eSTOL aircraft comes to market as the target time is now around 2027. For more information: Electra.Aero 10520 Wakeman Dr, Manassas, VA 20110, United States www.electra.aero ***
