Electra celebrated the success of the first flight operations during the demonstration of the hybrid-electric high-performance ultra-short take-off and landing(eSTOL) aircraft, called “EL-2 Goldfinch”.
Electra’s eSTOL, “EL-2 Goldfinch”.
Electra’s Vice President and General Manager, JP Stewart, expressed his enthusiasm following the achievement. He also noted that the eSTOL aircraft has demonstrated its ability to operate in spaces of less than 300 feet. In other words, Stewart added that the aircraft’s handling at low speeds at aircraft’s handling at low speeds has been exceptional, perfectly matching previous analysis, reinforcing future passengers’ confidence in the aircraft.
In addition, he mentioned that they will continue to develop technologies, including thethrust-by-wire flight control system, which will allow for even slower flight during approach and improved takeoff and landing performance in future tests.
Also, test flights, piloted by Cody Allee, were conducted between April and May 2024 at Manassas Regional Airport and Warrenton-Fauquier Airport in Virginia. During these flights, the longest of which lasted 1 hour and 43 minutes, the aircraft took off in less than 170 feet and landed with a ground track of less than 114 feet.
Flight capabilities
The aircraft has reached an altitude of 6,500 feet and flown at speeds as low as 25 knots during takeoff and landing. This allows gathering information from these tests, under the design of Electra’s 9-passenger eSTOL commercial aircraft, scheduled to enter commercial service in 2028.
On the other hand, Electra’s blown-lift design, which uses eight electric motors to increase wing lift, allows the eSTOL aircraft to take off and land “in only one-tenth of the space required” for conventional aircraft. An amazing feature that makes it possible to access places that are currently only accessible by helicopters.
The first eSTOL flight. Source: Electra
In addition, quiet electric motors significantly reduce noise and pollutant emissions, promoting community-friendly operations. Also, hybrid electric power offers the advantage of long-range capability, without the need for ground charging stations.
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Source and photo: Electra
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