Lockheed Martin and Electra Join Forces to Boost EL9 Ultra-STOL Aircraft Development

Collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Electra.aero

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® and Electra.aero, Inc. have recently forged a new partnership aimed at expediting the development of Electra’s innovative Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing (Ultra-STOL) aircraft, the EL9. This collaboration, marked by a Memorandum of Understanding signed at the Paris Air Show 2025, is poised to significantly enhance military aviation, especially in the realms of last mile logistics, mobile power generation, and emergency response.

The EL9 represents a major advancement in aircraft technology. Notably, it can take off and land in as little as 150 feet, making it capable of operating from unimproved surfaces. This feature is particularly beneficial for missions in austere environments where conventional aircraft may struggle. Furthermore, the EL9 combines the operational safety, cost-efficiency, and range advantages of traditional fixed-wing aircraft, setting a new standard in both military and commercial aviation.

Electra's CEO, Marc Allen, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, "Lockheed Martin's extensive expertise in manufacturing, supply chain, and serving military customers aligns perfectly with our EL9 commercialization strategy. This collaboration will accelerate our efforts to bring transformative capabilities to our military clients." The EL9’s capacity to carry up to 1,000 pounds over distances exceeding 1,000 miles opens up a wide array of novel applications for both defense and commercial users.

Lockheed Martin, a global leader in defense technology, will work closely with Electra's team to explore a range of possibilities for accelerating the development of the EL9 aircraft. This will include advancements in digital engineering, manufacturing processes, supply chain management, and overall business development on a global scale. Additionally, they will assess opportunities for future programs with the U.S. Department of Defense and various international clients.

OJ Sanchez, Vice President and General Manager at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works®, remarked on the potential benefits of this collaboration, stating, "Electra has showcased remarkable innovation within the hybrid-electric aircraft sector, and we are excited to assist them in accelerating development and delivery."

Notably, this agreement deepens the strategic bond between Lockheed Martin and Electra that began in 2022, when Lockheed Martin Ventures entered a strategic cooperation agreement to invest in Electra's Series A funding round. This prior collaboration underscores a commitment to advancing aerospace technology while also emphasizing the potential of hybrid-electric systems in aviation.

As the EL9 aims to revolutionize air transportation by allowing access to areas without the need for traditional airport infrastructure, it represents a leap forward in aviation technology. Electra's vision includes not only enhancing cargo logistics but also providing mobile power generating capabilities essential during emergencies. This innovative aircraft technology is expected to provide significant advantages over existing solutions, boasting 2.5 times the payload and 10 times the range with drastically reduced operating costs compared to traditional helicopters and eVTOLs.

With a well-established team of aerospace experts at Electra, consisting of engineers and entrepreneurs who have contributed to the design and certification of over 40 aircraft, the project is backed by considerable expertise. Electra's client roster already includes prestigious organizations such as NASA and various branches of the U.S. military, alongside over 2,200 agreements indicating interest from more than fifty commercial entities, including airlines and helicopter operators.

In summary, as Lockheed Martin and Electra embark on this cooperative venture, the EL9 Ultra-STOL aircraft stands to significantly impact both commercial and military aviation, promising advancements that blend efficiency, safety, and innovative technology for future missions.