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Electra Expands Facilities to Enhance Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Development

Electra.aero, Inc. has recently unveiled significant plans to expand its operational capacities in both the United States and Europe. This strategic move aims to bolster the development of its groundbreaking nine-passenger hybrid-electric aircraft, the EL9 Ultra Short, further establishing Electra as a leader in the aviation industry.

Driving Transformation in Aviation

Located in Manassas, Virginia, Electra has constructed a new facility that spans 15,000 square feet, alongside an additional 6,000 square feet dedicated to office space. This expansion is vital for accommodating the company’s swiftly growing workforce, which has more than doubled this year alone. According to Electra’s CEO Marc Allen, the expansion strives to attract top engineering talent and provide the necessary resources to accelerate the commercial development of the EL9 Ultra Short. This aircraft is designed to take off and land in remarkably constrained areas, with a required runway length as short as 150 feet.

In contrast, Electra’s European facility, located in Bleienbach, Switzerland, has been augmented with nearly 2,000 square feet of additional Research and Development space. This site will play an essential role in reinforcing the company's commitment to attracting premier European engineering talent, as it strives to innovate and enhance aviation technology on a global scale.

Innovations in Aircraft Design

Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short aircraft is designed to revolutionize the accessibility of air travel. By employing hybrid-electric propulsion alongside advanced blown-lift aerodynamics, the design allows flights to operate directly from unconventional locations, including small regional airports and even parking lots or open fields. The essence of this initiative, which Electra refers to as Direct Aviation, is to provide travelers with a more direct, sustainable, and time-efficient method of air travel.

Electra has also conducted extensive flight demonstrations with its two-seat EL2 prototype over the past two years, showcasing the feasible applications of these technologies. Recent demonstrations highlighted the aircraft's ability to operate from various unconventional airstrips and showcase its versatility in diverse environments. Such partnerships, including collaboration with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, have illustrated the capability of the EL2 in serving both commercial and defense sectors effectively.

Looking to the Future

With ambitions set for extensive flight testing of the EL9 anticipated to begin in 2027, Electra plans to achieve FAA certification between 2028 and 2029, aiming for operational service by the end of 2029 or early 2030. The company has already secured more than 2,200 provisional orders from various global customers, amounting to a pipeline exceeding $13 billion, showcasing a robust future for both Electra and its innovative aircraft solutions.

Electra’s ongoing journey marks a pivotal shift in how air travel is approached, creating possibilities for regions previously underserved and offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional air travel. As Electra continues to expand its facilities and capabilities, the company stands poised to redefine industry standards and push the boundaries of modern aviation.

About Electra

Electra.aero, Inc. is an innovative aerospace firm specializing in creating hybrid-electric Ultra Short airplanes, bridging the gap between technology and environmental sustainability. Electra’s commitment to groundbreaking designs positions it among the forefront of aircraft developers, ensuring safety, efficiency, and accessibility in air travel. With strategic investors, including prominent names like Lockheed Martin Ventures and Honeywell, Electra is set to change the dynamics of the aviation landscape forever.