MANASSAS, Va. - Electra has announced the launch of "Electra Defense," a new business unit focused on meeting defense mission needs, as the company develops the EL9, a dual-use, nine-passenger hybrid-electric ultra-short takeoff and landing (ultra-STOL) aircraft for the U.S. Military.
With the ability to take off and land in spaces as short as 150 feet, Electra's EL9 enables access to helicopter-sized areas in austere or remote environments while maintaining the safety, cost, and long-range benefits of a fixed-wing aircraft.
The launch of Electra Defense builds on growing global market demand from militaries for long-range, runway-independent solutions to execute distributed operations and alleviate demand on larger airlift assets like the C-17 and C-130. The EL9's ability to access austere locations, carry 1,000 lbs. over 1,000 nautical miles, and generate 600 kW of expeditionary power represents next-generation capabilities for mobility and special operations forces.
Donn Yates, Vice President & General Manager of Electra Defense, said, "The military can no longer solely rely on trucks or helicopters to conduct logistics missions over long distances, and we need to preserve the efficiency of existing airlift assets. The multi-mission ultra-STOL EL9 is the sprinter van of the skies, enabling the military to execute agile combat employment to deliver people, power, and payloads at the last tactical leg. We look forward to continuing our work with our government partners to deliver this aircraft ahead of the threat."
The new business unit follows the successful execution of government directed test events with the U.S. Air Force at the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Future Flag 25-3 test event in September, where Electra's EL2 prototype aircraft executed an operational scenario with command and control of logistics assets, conducted a quiet ultra-short takeoff and landing, and powered up an MQ-9 Reaper UAV to demonstrate agile combat deployment capabilities. The test events followed the June announcement of a memorandum of understanding between Electra and Lockheed Martin Skunk Works to accelerate commercialization of the EL9 and explore global opportunities for programs of record.
The EL9's novel ultra-STOL capabilities leverage Electra's technical leadership in hybrid-electric aviation and blown-lift aerodynamics.
The aircraft's hybrid-electric architecture enables greater range, payload capacity, quieter acoustic signatures, and 600 kW of power generation, unlocking a wide variety of missions, including:
- Last Tactical Mile Logistics
- Sustainment Support for Agile Combat Employment (ACE)
- Ship to Shore Transport
- CASEVAC/Personnel Recovery
- Expeditionary Power/Command & Control (C2)
- Quiet Infil/Exfil for Special Operations Forces (SOF) Missions
- Maritime Patrol & Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)
The recently completed government-directed tests with the U.S. Air Force at Future Flag 25-3 marked the latest milestone under Electra's $85 million Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) contract awarded by AFWERX to develop, test, and demonstrate hybrid-electric aircraft.
In addition, Electra continues to partner with the U.S. Army on a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to advance the research and development of hybrid-electric powertrain, power, and propulsion systems (HEPPS). The partnership enables the U.S. Army to leverage Electra's technical leadership in developing and testing hybrid-electric propulsion systems and evaluating its potential to improve the effectiveness of current and future Army aircraft platforms.
