Electra, a company dedicated to sustainable aviation, unveiled its Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing (eSTOL) hybrid-electric aircraft prototype to the United States Army.
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This model is designed to take off and land in confined spaces, capable of operating in areas without adequate runways, as demonstrated after the damage caused by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, which highlighted the need for flights in restricted locations.
The Ultra Short, developed in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force, requires only 91.4 m x 30.4 m for its operations, making it a more economical and efficient alternative compared to helicopters, without the need for specialized pilots.
+ Click here to see the Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing (eSTOL) in action
With a configuration resembling a private plane and equipped with eight electric motors, the aircraft reaches cruising speeds of about 322 km/h and has a range of approximately 805 km, using a lithium battery combined with a turbine generator.
According to JP Stewart, Electra’s vice president, this innovation represents a significant advancement for operations in remote locations, reducing costs by up to 70% and increasing energy efficiency in defense logistics.
Source: Olhar Digital | Photo: YouTube (@Electraaero) | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team