Electra flies eSTOL Goldfinch at NASA’s Langley Research Centre
Electra Aero has successfully flown its EL-2 Goldfinch hybrid-electric eSTOL aircraft at NASA’s Langley Research Centre, the first a piloted electric aircraft has done so from the facility.
The first demonstration flight “showcased the eSTOL aircraft’s use of distributed electric propulsion with blown lift technology, which is capable of taking off and landing in under 150 feet,” explained Electra, which had completed the 120 mile cross-country flight from Electra’s Manassas facility earlier that day.
Electra’s nine-passenger short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft is designed to “replace short and medium distance vehicle trips up to 500 miles with decarbonised, quiet and affordable air travel,” notes its manufacturer. In November 2023, the EL-2 Goldfinch aircraft conducted its inaugural test flights, with its first hybrid-electric flight lasting 23 minutes and reaching an altitude of 3,200 feet.
Noting that NASA is “an incredible institution that has developed many of the foundational technologies underpinning today’s aviation industry,” Electra’s vice president and general manager JP Stewart added he “[looks] forward to continuing [Electra’s] collaboration with them on new technologies that will extend seamless and convenient air travel to all communities”.
Under a NASA Space Act agreement, the two organisations are collaborating on advanced air mobility research, demonstrations and information sharing. Electra has also contributed to a NASA study on connecting underserved communities through regional air mobility incentives operating from underutilised airports.
