Photo: Electra
Say hello to the new EL9, the ultra-short hybrid-electric aircraft with nine passenger seats designed by Electra for a new era of zero-emission, efficient flight.
The Northern Virginia-based aviation company is finally ready to enter the development phase of the EL9 aircraft after an extensive period (more than a year) of testing the EL2 Goldfinch two-seat prototype. Electra recently unveiled the EL9 design to more than 300 guests at its headquarters in Manassas.
Like other hybrid vehicles, the EL9 combines the benefits and innovations of a purely electric eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) with a wider range and a more generous capacity. Thanks to its improved range and payload, the EL9 can safely carry nine passengers with additional baggage or up to 3,000 pounds (1,360 kg) of cargo over 330 nautical miles (611 km).
Although the commercial version comes with two pilot crew stations, a single pilot can easily and safely land the EL9 thanks to advanced fly-by-wire controls. Another major advantage is the ability to take off and land within as little as 150 feet (45.7 meters). Until now, only helicopters and compact eVTOLs could do that. In real life, this translates to an incredibly wide and flexible range of locations for direct air service, from the smallest regional airports to parking lots and even sites without conventional infrastructure.
With this unprecedented flexibility in terms of infrastructure and its generous nine-seat configuration, the EL9 is set to make a huge difference in air mobility. Plus, it will achieve all of this at a significantly lower cost compared to conventional aircraft with similar capabilities. It also promises lower noise levels and reduced emission levels compared to its conventional counterparts.
The two pillars behind the EL9's efficiency are blown-lift technology (linked to what is formally known as ultra-short takeoffs and landings) and hybrid-electric propulsion (linked to increased range). Additionally, the Electra aircraft will soon be certified for "flight into known icing conditions" and IFR (Instrument Flight Rules).
While the official unveiling of the EL9 is a key milestone, we still have to wait a few more years for the actual aircraft to enter service. According to Electra's timeline, the nine-passenger aircraft will kick off flight tests in 2027 and become fully certified for commercial service by 2029. In short, the EL9 should take to the sky as part of regular service before the end of this decade.
Meanwhile, the US aviation company continues to attract serious interest from worldwide customers. More than 50 operators around the world have signed up to order the EL9, including Wilbur Air, which will become the first one to operate this hybrid-electric STOL in Australia. Electra currently has more than 2,000 orders for the EL9, with a market value of more than $8 billion.
Like other hybrid vehicles, the EL9 combines the benefits and innovations of a purely electric eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) with a wider range and a more generous capacity. Thanks to its improved range and payload, the EL9 can safely carry nine passengers with additional baggage or up to 3,000 pounds (1,360 kg) of cargo over 330 nautical miles (611 km).
Although the commercial version comes with two pilot crew stations, a single pilot can easily and safely land the EL9 thanks to advanced fly-by-wire controls. Another major advantage is the ability to take off and land within as little as 150 feet (45.7 meters). Until now, only helicopters and compact eVTOLs could do that. In real life, this translates to an incredibly wide and flexible range of locations for direct air service, from the smallest regional airports to parking lots and even sites without conventional infrastructure.
With this unprecedented flexibility in terms of infrastructure and its generous nine-seat configuration, the EL9 is set to make a huge difference in air mobility. Plus, it will achieve all of this at a significantly lower cost compared to conventional aircraft with similar capabilities. It also promises lower noise levels and reduced emission levels compared to its conventional counterparts.
The two pillars behind the EL9's efficiency are blown-lift technology (linked to what is formally known as ultra-short takeoffs and landings) and hybrid-electric propulsion (linked to increased range). Additionally, the Electra aircraft will soon be certified for "flight into known icing conditions" and IFR (Instrument Flight Rules).
While the official unveiling of the EL9 is a key milestone, we still have to wait a few more years for the actual aircraft to enter service. According to Electra's timeline, the nine-passenger aircraft will kick off flight tests in 2027 and become fully certified for commercial service by 2029. In short, the EL9 should take to the sky as part of regular service before the end of this decade.
Meanwhile, the US aviation company continues to attract serious interest from worldwide customers. More than 50 operators around the world have signed up to order the EL9, including Wilbur Air, which will become the first one to operate this hybrid-electric STOL in Australia. Electra currently has more than 2,000 orders for the EL9, with a market value of more than $8 billion.
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