Electra’s first flight of its technology demonstrator, a hybrid-electric, short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft. The two-seat technology demonstrator is the world’s first blown lift aircraft using distributed electric propulsion and a hybrid-electric propulsion system.
source.image: Electra
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.
source.image: Electra
Electra is developing a nine-passenger version of the aircraft for commercial and government markets that can take off and land with ground rolls as short as 150 feet and fly at speeds of 200 mph for distances of 500 miles.
Advertisement
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. The first hybrid flight lasted 23 minutes, reached an altitude of 3,200 feet, and covered a distance of approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers). The propulsion is achieved through a combination of distributed electric propulsion and a hybrid-electric propulsion system.
