Electra wins contract with U.S. Air Force, accelerating development and acquisition of eSTOL aircraft

The U.S. Air Force awarded a Phase III Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to Electra.aero, Inc. to support the development of Electra's hybrid-electric ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft. The contract, awarded through the Air Force Agility Prime program, will accelerate Electra's plan to flight test a full-scale hybrid eSTOL technology demonstrator aircraft in 2022, and charts a clear transition path for future Air Force acquisition of Electra's eSTOL aircraft.

Electra was awarded an Agility Prime SBIR Direct-to-Phase II contract earlier last year, accelerating the development of Electra's hybrid-electric propulsion system technology. The Agility Prime program aims for innovation and tech transition of electric aircraft into the advanced air mobility market for military and commercial applications.

"Hybrid-electric STOL technology has the potential to deliver game-changing energy efficiency improvements and meaningful payload and range performance needed for future Air Force missions," says John S. Langford, Founder and CEO of Electra. "We are thrilled to continue our close collaboration with the Agility Prime team and are honored to be selected for this important contract."

Electra's eSTOL aircraft can operate from spaces as small as 300x100 feet using its distributed electric propulsion and blown lift technology. A small turbine-powered generator recharges the batteries mid-flight, eliminating the need for new ground charging infrastructure. The quieter and more environmentally friendly aircraft is currently being designed to transport up to 1,800 pounds of cargo or move 7 to 9 passengers up to 500 miles. Electra's aircraft can operate in a variety of environments ranging from busy urban areas to remote landing strips, and fly missions ranging from on-demand passenger flights to cargo transportation, search and rescue operations, and medical missions.

"Agility Prime will quickly and affordably deliver disruptive capabilities for national security and other U.S. Government missions like humanitarian aid and disaster relief," says Ben Marchionna, Electra's Director of Technology and Innovation. "Hybrid eSTOL aircraft are well-suited to support the Air Force's agile combat employment doctrine by providing middle- and last-mile island-hopping and distributed cargo logistics in the Indo-Pacific theater or operations in areas with limited infrastructure like Africa."

"We are excited to expand our partnership with Electra through this Phase III contract award," says Lieutenant Colonel John "Wasp" Tekell, Air Force Agility Prime Lead. "Electra's hybrid eSTOL technology has the potential to bring a valuable, differentiated capability to the U.S. Air Force and Joint Partners. We look forward to supporting the rapid development, flight testing, and transition of eSTOL aircraft while continuing to support the development of advanced air mobility."