MANASSAS, Va. - Electra.aero, Inc. in Manassas, Va. announced it had demonstrated its hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft prototype to military stakeholders in recent flight tests at Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico and Felker Army Airfield in Virginia. The demonstrations highlighted the aircraft’s dual-use potential for logistics missions in remote or contested areas, where traditional airstrips may be compromised or unavailable.
The aircraft, designed for takeoffs and landings in extremely short distances from minimally prepared areas, proved its ability to operate in austere environments, such as grass fields, without the need for ground support. Chief Test Pilot Cody Allee flew the Ultra Short in tight 150-foot radius turns to demonstrate its low-altitude, low-speed maneuverability, emphasizing its adaptability in military scenarios.
Electra’s prototype also demonstrated its capability as a mobile power generator, running pre-flight presentation equipment and sound systems directly from the aircraft. The production version is expected to generate over 600 kW of continuous power, with short bursts exceeding 1 MW, making it versatile for various missions including medical evacuations and tactical operations. It consumes one-third of the fuel required by helicopters performing similar tasks.
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"AFWERX is committed to supporting the accelerated development of the dual-use Ultra Short technology," said Jacob Wilson, AFWERX Agility Prime acting branch chief. "Its hybrid-electric propulsion system provides extended range and endurance, making it suitable for Agile Combat Employment missions."
“These flight demonstrations mark a significant milestone for Electra,” said JP Stewart, Vice President of Electra, adding that the aircraft offers quiet operations and lower costs, enhancing its suitability for defense logistics.
Electra’s flight tests continue to gather data to support the development of its nine-passenger production aircraft under an AFWERX STRATFI contract.
