NASA Administrator Bill Nelson flew aboard Electra's hybrid-electric EL2 Goldfinch Ultra Short prototype aircraft, experiencing firsthand the aircraft's unique ability to take off and land in soccer field-sized spaces to make sustainable point-to-point travel a reality.
The 24-minute flight on Electra's two-seat fixed-wing aircraft showcased its Ultra Short capabilities, completing a series of take-offs and landings with just 150ft of ground roll made possible by Electra's proprietary blown-lift technology. The flight demonstrated both hybrid-electric and quiet battery-only operations, with an acoustic signature of just 55dB at 500ft – the equivalent of a normal conversation. Electra chief test pilot Cody Allee piloted the air-craft during the flight, departing from Electra's headquarters at Manassas Regional Airport in Virginia.
The EL2 Goldfinch serves as a testbed for Electra's distributed electric propulsion system and blown-lift technology, which are being scaled up for the company's nine-passenger EL9 Ultra Short aircraft. With more than 2,100 orders already placed for the EL9, Electra is leading the charge to bring sustainable air travel closer to where we live, work and play. Electra was also recently selected to develop aircraft concepts and technologies for next-generation commercial airliners under NASA's Advanced Aircraft Concepts for Environmental Sustainability (AACES) 2050 initiative.
“Flying aboard this new technology is an inspiring example of how innovation and determination can redefine what's possible in aviation,” said Nelson. “Advancements in hybrid-electric flight are a critical part of the aviation industry's transformation toward cleaner, quieter, and more accessible air transportation.”
Electra CEO Marc Allen welcomed the opportunity to showcase the EL2's capabilities to NASA. “This flight underscores Electra's commitment to deliver sustainable air travel to communities everywhere,” he said. “We're honoured to have Bill Nelson experience the groundbreaking performance of our prototype aircraft firsthand, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with NASA to advance the future of aviation.”
