Lockheed Martin, Electra accelerate EL9 ultra-STOL commercialization

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and Electra.aero Inc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore opportunities for Electra’s EL9 ultra-short takeoff and landing (Ultra-STOL) aircraft. Lockheed Martin, one of the world’s largest aerospace and defense companies, will collaborate with Electra to explore ways to accelerate the development of the EL9 in areas including digital engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, sustainment, and global business development.

Additionally, the Skunk Works and Electra teams will assess opportunities for potential programs of record with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and global customers.

The hybrid-electric Electra EL9 is designed to transform commercial and military aviation for applications including last mile logistics, mobile power generation, and emergency response. The Ultra-STOL EL9 can quietly take off and land in 150 feet and from unimproved surfaces, enabling operations in austere areas while retaining the safety, cost, and range benefits of a fixed-wing aircraft. The EL9’s ability to carry 1,000 lb over 1,000 miles enables an array of novel use cases for commercial and defense users.

“Lockheed Martin’s breadth of manufacturing, supply chain, and military customer expertise is the perfect complement to Electra’s EL9 commercialization strategy,” said Marc Allen, CEO of Electra. “This relationship will accelerate our speed to market to bring the EL9’s transformative capabilities to our military customers.”

“Electra has driven signification innovation in the hybrid-electric space, and we’re excited to collaborate with them to accelerate their development,” said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works®.

The agreement deepens the strategic relationship between Lockheed Martin and Electra. In 2022, Lockheed Martin Ventures signed a strategic cooperation agreement to invest in Electra’s Series A funding round.

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. Electra's contracted customers include NASA, the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Navy, along with over 2,200 aircraft under Letters of Intent from 50+ commercial customers, including airlines and helicopter operators.