#United States #NASA #Hybrid-Electric #Manassas #Electra

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson's Flight on Electra's EL2 Goldfinch

On December 8, 2024, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson took a remarkable flight in Electra.aero's hybrid-electric prototype, the EL2 Goldfinch. This historic event marked the first time a head of a U.S. government agency experienced a flight on a next-generation Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft. The flight took place at Electra's headquarters located at the Manassas Regional Airport in Virginia, where Nelson piloted the two-seat aircraft alongside Electra's Chief Test Pilot, Cody Allee.

A Glimpse into Advanced Air Mobility

During the 24-minute flight, Nelson witnessed the EL2 Goldfinch’s extraordinary capabilities. The aircraft is designed for ultra-short takeoffs and landings, achieving a remarkable ground roll of only 150 feet—akin to taking off and landing in a soccer field. This innovative feature is made possible through Electra's proprietary blown-lift technology, which allows for greater efficiency and adaptability in urban and suburban transportation settings.

The EL2 Goldfinch operated in both its hybrid-electric mode and battery-only mode during the flight. Impressively, it maintained a low acoustic signature of merely 55 dB at 500 feet, comparable to the volume of a typical conversation, thus ensuring minimal noise pollution in surrounding environments.

Visionary Leadership and Innovation

Administrator Nelson’s participation in the flight highlights the intersection of aviation and sustainability. In his remarks post-flight, he expressed enthusiasm for the advancements being made in hybrid-electric flight technology. Nelson stated, "Flying aboard this new technology is an inspiring example of how innovation and determination can redefine what's possible in aviation. Advancements in hybrid-electric flight are a critical part of the aviation industry's transformation toward cleaner, quieter, and more accessible air transportation."

Electra's CEO, Marc Allen, praised the opportunity to showcase the EL2 Goldfinch's capabilities, emphasizing Electra's commitment to making sustainable air travel a reality for communities worldwide. "This flight underscores Electra's resolve to deliver sustainable air travel to communities wherever they may be," Allen noted.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Aviation with Electra

The EL2 Goldfinch serves not only as a prototype but also as a testbed for the company's advanced distributed electric propulsion system and its blown-lift technology, which are being further developed in the nine-passenger EL9 Ultra Short aircraft, for which Electra has already received over 2,100 orders. This exciting trajectory places Electra at the forefront of the fight against climate change in air travel, as the company works towards scaling its innovative solutions to fit commercial market demands.

Electra has also been selected to develop aircraft concepts and technologies under NASA's Advanced Aircraft Concepts for Environmental Sustainability (AACES) 2050 initiative, further solidifying its role in the sustainable future of aviation.

In summary, Bill Nelson's flight aboard the prototype aircraft signifies a pivotal moment in the evolution of air mobility, showcasing the potential for hybrid-electric technology to disrupt conventional aviation practices and pave the way for more sustainable travel options. As Electra continues to innovate and expand its offerings, the company stands as a testament to how technological advancements can lead to cleaner, quieter, and more efficient air transportation methods that integrate seamlessly into our daily lives.

About Electra

Electra.aero, Inc. is pioneering a new era of aviation with its hybrid-electric Ultra Short airplanes that aim to transform how people and cargo travel by air. Committed to minimizing the industry's environmental footprint, Electra's technology is geared to operate without the need for traditional airports, delivering a solution that not only reduces emissions but also minimizes operational costs. Supported by strategic investors including Lockheed Martin Ventures, Honeywell, and Safran, Electra continues to innovate with the vision of making air travel accessible and sustainable for communities across the globe.