Electra eSTOL Goldfinch flies at NASA Langley

Electra.aero Inc. (Electra), a next-gen aerospace company committed to decarbonizing aviation and opening new air transportation markets, recently demonstrated the flight capabilities of its EL-2 Goldfinch hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) technology demonstrator aircraft at NASA’s historic Langley Research Center. The achievement marks the first flight of an electric aircraft with a pilot onboard at NASA Langley.

Electra and NASA are working together on advanced air mobility (AAM) research, demonstrations, and information sharing under a NASA Space Act Agreement. In a separate effort, Electra is working under a NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project on solar-electric, high-altitude, long-endurance aircraft research called a high-altitude platform station (HAPS). Electra has also contributed to a NASA study on connecting communities into the national transportation network through regional air mobility (RAM) using underutilized airports.

The flight demo for NASA Langley’s research community showcased the eSTOL aircraft’s use of distributed electric propulsion (DEP) with blown lift technology, which allows taking off and landing in less than 150 feet. The demonstration highlighted the aircraft’s hybrid-electric capabilities for longer range potential and battery-electric flight for quiet, community-friendly operations. Earlier that day, the aircraft completed the 120-mile cross-country flight from Electra’s Manassas, Virginia facility to NASA in Hampton, Virginia using the hybrid propulsion system.

Electra is developing a 9-passenger eSTOL production aircraft designed to replace short- and medium-distance vehicle trips up to 500 miles with decarbonized, quiet, and affordable air travel. This aircraft would be able to connect Northen Virginia to the Hampton Roads area in a 35-minute flight, rather than the 2.5 hours it takes to drive today.

"NASA is an incredible institution that has developed many of the foundational technologies underpinning today’s aviation industry. They are now pioneering the future with advanced air mobility innovations,” said JP Stewart, Electra’s VP and GM. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with them on new technologies that will extend seamless and convenient air travel to all communities."

Electra's team includes some of the most respected and successful entrepreneurs and engineers in novel aircraft design, with over 40 prior aircraft successfully developed and/or certified. Its technology development is supported by Lockheed Martin Ventures, the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), Statkraft Ventures, and other private investors in addition to contracts with NASA, the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Navy.