Writer

AmyWilder

Electra Aero will soon unveil the nine-passenger version of its hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft&nbsp;after extensive testing of a two-seat prototype. The aircraft’s turbogenerator and eight wing-mounted electric propulsion units place it between an eVTOL and a traditional fixed-wing aircraft in performance and mission scope.
Speaking at NBAA-BACE 2024, Electra CEO Marc Allen said the aircraft can use existing fuel infrastructure, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and is not reliant on charging stations on the ground to operate.
Virginia-based Electra originally developed a turbocharger in-house but partnered with Safran in June 2023 to develop a propulsion system for the platform. The hybrid-electric system combines a gas-powered turbogenerator with battery packs, which allow for in-flight or ground charging and can be adapted for SAF or hydrogen in the future.
This technology also significantly reduces operating noise. “You’re going to see us demonstrating 75 dBAs at 300 feet and 55 dBAs at 500 feet,” said Allen, “which is quieter than a car passing by on the street, to put it into context.”
Allen was quick to clarify that this is not a powered-lift aircraft, despite its hybrid propulsion technology, takeoff roll as short as 150 feet, and steep climb ability. “This is a fixed-wing aircraft. It’s just an airplane,” he said. According to Allen, the aircraft will have a range of up to 1,100 nm, or 350 nm with a full load of passengers and cargo; its maximum payload is 2,700 pounds. Its cruise speed is about 175 knots.&nbsp;
The electric propulsors mounted on the wings change aerodynamic performance and allow for lower operating speeds, with controllability at as low as 30 knots, said James “JP” Stewart, Electra's vice president and general manager. “It’s not like a catapult on an aircraft carrier. You’re talking about going from a stop to 35 miles an hour—very, very comfortable. But once you put the flaps up, your airplane is a conventional airplane. It goes 175 knots, and you can carry nine passengers.”
Fly-by-wire flight controls are an important design component for controllability during landings and at slow airspeeds. “We’ve also flown as slow as about 22 knots,” said Stewart, “and we haven’t found the stall yet. So we’ll keep giving you updates as we get slower and slower.”
The big reveal for the nine-passenger design is slated for November 13 at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time at Manassas Regional Airport in Virginia.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Electra Aero to Unveil Nine-passenger Hybrid eSTOL Aircraft in November

Hybrid-electric design works within existing infrastructure

Electra Aero is set to reveal the first nine-seat prototype of its hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft in November.

Electra Aero's Nine-passenger eSTOL Set for Reveal

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Company president Jason Huang resigns and Lily Hu takes over

Icon Aircraft Moving Some Manufacturing to China

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

An average of seven Vision Jets per month were delivered during the first three quarters of this year

Cirrus Delivers 600th Vision Jet Since 2016 Market Entry

Charles Alcock

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Latest prototype of the two-seater now features improved rotors 

Volocopter Makes Final Push Toward eVTOL Aircraft Type Certification

Hanneke Weitering

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Agreement covers up to 12 of the Alia-250 model and is Beta's second sale in New Zealand

New Zealand Air Ambulance Service Orders Beta's eVTOL Aircraft

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Midnight eVTOL aircraft production begins in 2025

Archer Completes Georgia eVTOL Factory

Deliveries of the turboprop single can now start in the UK

Piper M700 Fury Secures UK CAA Nod

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Testing on Quarterhorse Mk 1 was completed in 21 days

Hermeus Completes Quarterhorse Demonstrator Ground Tests

Jessica Reed

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

NBAA-BACE 2024

In this article

Electra

More In Aircraft