Electra's nine-passenger hybrid-electric eSTOL aircraft will feature Honeywell Aerospace’s flight control computers and electromechanical actuation systems. Honeywell announced its selection as a program partner on Thursday and confirmed that the group’s venture capital business unit has made an undisclosed investment in the U.S. start-up.
The Electra aircraft combines blown lift technology with distributed electric propulsion, using battery packs and a turbogenerator to power eight electric motors installed along the wing’s leading edge. According to the manufacturer, it will be able to take off and land in under 150 feet, which could allow an operator to fly from locations such as converted parking lots and short fields.
In November 2023, Electra started flight testing its two-seat EL-2 Goldfinch technology demonstrator. In test flights conducted in April and May, it achieved take-offs in less than 170 feet with a ground roll of less than 114 feet.