Electra enters development phase of EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft

Electra has unveiled the design of its revolutionary EL9 ultra-short hybrid-electric aircraft, a nine-passenger piloted aircraft set to transform air travel. The EL9 combines cutting-edge hybrid-electric propulsion with blown lift technology, enabling ultra-short take-offs and landings in spaces as small as a soccer field. This technology, which was previously limited to helicopters and eVTOLs, is now available at one-third of the cost, with the added benefits of safety and reliability typical of fixed-wing aircraft.

Having successfully completed over a year of flight testing with its two-seat EL2 Goldfinch prototype, Electra is now entering the development phase for the EL9. This marks a significant step forward in the company’s commitment to the future of electric aviation.

The EL9’s hybrid-electric propulsion system allows it to take-off and land in as little as 150 feet, making it ideal for use in small regional airports or even unconventional sites such as grass fields and parking lots. This opens up thousands of new locations for air service, offering seamless, point-to-point regional connectivity for both passengers and cargo. The aircraft produces significantly lower emissions and noise compared to traditional aircraft, and its hybrid-electric system includes inflight battery recharging, eliminating the need for ground charging stations.

Equipped with four independent battery packs and a small turbine-powered generator that drives eight electric motors distributed along the wings, the EL9 provides high lift at low airspeeds. It can carry nine passengers with baggage or up to 3,000 pounds of cargo, with a range of 330 nautical miles and a maximum ferry range of 1,100 nautical miles with IFR reserves. The aircraft will be certified for IFR and flight into known icing conditions and will feature Electra’s Safe Single Pilot technology with fly-by-wire controls, allowing for easy precision landings with just a single pilot.

Electra has already secured over 2,100 orders for the EL9 from 52 operators globally, representing a market value exceeding $8 billion. Test flights are planned for 2027, with certification and service entry expected in 2029 under FAA Part 23 regulations.