On Tuesday, Electra Aero, a Virginia-based maker of hybrid-electric aircraft, announced that it has won a Phase II SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) contract with the U.S. Air Force to develop hybrid-electric propulsion systems for electric ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft. The contract, entered with the USAF’s Agility Prime program to accelerate time-to-market for emerging aviation technologies, aims to strengthen the market for commercial advanced air mobility.
The USAF says hybrid-electric systems are poised to transform how it powers future flight operations through game-changing energy efficiency improvements. These systems are also a fundamental enabler of sustainable aviation at-scale and commercial advanced air mobility markets – for both vertical and ultra-short takeoff and landing aircraft.
Electra says its eSTOL aircraft is unique in that it not only takes off in less than 150 feet, but also offers nearly 3x the payload capacity, order of magnitude longer ranges, at less than half the operating cost of other electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) alternatives, by using distributed hybrid-electric propulsion and “blown lift” (i.e. propellers driven by the craft’s electric motor blow air over the entire span of the wing and its flaps).
“Electra is thrilled to be working in tandem with the U.S. Air Force and its innovative Agility Prime team to accelerate the tech transition of eSTOL into the commercial marketplace,” said Electra Director of Technology and Innovation Ben Marchionna. “These next-gen, low-carbon systems will solve several critical defense-related capability gaps while leveraging affordable commercial marketplace solutions.”
“Agility Prime is excited to partner with Electra on their recent Phase II SBIR contract award,” said Maj. John “Wasp” Tekell, who serves as Deputy Lead of the USAF Agility Prime program. “We look forward to exploring the unique capabilities of this design while continuing to accelerate the electric aviation industry.”
Electra’s first propulsion system produces 150 kW (200 HP) of electrical power and comprises a small gas turbine and several custom components including a gearbox, generator, rectifier, control system, and software. Ground testing is planned this year followed by flight testing on the company’s technology demonstrator aircraft in 2022. That aircraft, which carries two people and can take off and land in distances as short as 100 feet, will use this hybrid-electric turbogenerator to power eight electric motors and charge a custom battery system during flight.
Electra’s first commercial product, with FAA certification planned in 2026, is designed to carry up to seven passengers and a pilot as far as 500 miles, while operating out of areas shorter than a soccer field, including rooftops and parking lots.
The single-pilot aircraft can safely complete energy-efficient landings and takeoffs at speeds below 30 mph while cruising the high-speeds of 200 mph. The plane is equipped with eight electric motors, powered by a combination of batteries and a small, quiet turbogenerator which means the craft does not need to rely on special charging infrastructure, as batteries are recharged mid-air.
The craft will serve urban and regional air mobility markets, sustainability-focused airline operations, “middle mile” cargo logistics, and air ambulance services.
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