Breakthru Ultra-Short Takeoff Plane
Electra Aero Plane - Something New in the Sky
NASA Invests in Electric Plane for Greener Skies
Northern Virginia based aviation company Electra Aero, that specializes in ultra-short, electric takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft, has been partnering with the US Air Force for a few months. Their highly innovative aviation technology has now caught the attention of NASA, which has jumped onboard to further develop this cutting edge air travel technology by investing in its development.
Brand New Technologies
Based on hybrid-electric propulsion, Electra Aero has invented an innovative, electric, very short vertical takeoff and landing vehicle. The aircraft's blown lift technology is the standout. It is an advanced aerodynamic technique allowing the aircraft to takeoff and land within 150 feet of its location, at a fraction of the power needed by an eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff & landing vehicle) in the same amount of ground space. Blown lift efficiently turns the airflow downward for ultra-short takeoffs. The blown lift technology is what NASA has contracted with Electra Aero to further develop. The Electra Aero aircraft is electric and creates no noise. It doesn't need a runway, just a space about the size of a soccer field for takeoff and landing. And it requires no traditional aircraft infrastructure.
Sustainable Flying
There is another important piece of technology developed by Electra Aero. Their unique hybrid-electrical turbo generator that powers 8 motors and charges the battery during flight. It provides sustainable flying with no need to go back to base for a recharge. The missions for the aircraft include urban and regional commuting flights, cargo logistics and air ambulance services.
Next Steps
Testing of a full scale hybrid eSTOL carrying two people starts in 2022. The EV will be equipped with a 150kW hybrid-electric turbogenerator to power 8 electric motors and charge a custom battery system during flight. The first commercial eSTOL aircraft capable of carrying a pilot and 7 passengers and flying 500 miles is targeted for 2026. This is very significant new flying innovation that is getting a big boost from NASA and the USAF.
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