Key Takeaways
- Electra’s EL9 aircraft features eight electric rotors distributed along a fixed wing.
- The EL9 can accommodate nine people or up to 3,000 pounds of cargo.
- The aircraft is designed for ultra-short takeoff and landing capabilities.
Electra Pitches EL9 Plane as Pentagon 'Sprinter Van'
Electric Aircraft Startup Seeks Defense Contracts with Hybrid-Electric Design
Electra Aviation has unveiled its EL9 plane, a hybrid-electric aircraft designed for ultra-short takeoff and landing capabilities. The company is courting the Pentagon as a new customer, citing the need for runway independence or agnosticism in military operations. With a planned prototype flight in late 2027 or early 2028, Electra hopes to certify the EL9 with the FAA by 2029. The aircraft features fly-by-wire controls and could act as a mobile power station for other systems.
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