Electra.aero, a developer of hybrid-electric, short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft, has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) to explore the use of Electra’s eSTOL aircraft as a next-generation aviation solution for logistics in a contested environment.
Electra will collaborate closely with Navy stakeholders to pinpoint specific needs within the realm of “contested logistics.” This term refers to the often-daunting task of transporting military personnel and materiel to and from hard-to-reach or hostile areas. Through a comprehensive conceptual design study, the project aims to assess how Electra’s innovative hybrid-electric eSTOL aircraft can bridge these capability gaps for the Navy.
The company’s technology demonstrator can operate as a contested logistics platform with ground rolls as short as 150 feet. Electra’s production aircraft will carry 9 passengers or 2,500 pounds of cargo up to 500 miles. Additionally, the hybrid-electric design promises reduced fuel consumption and emissions, making the new aircraft a sustainable solution for decarbonizing aviation operations.
“Electra’s eSTOL has all the right technology-enabled capabilities to help the Navy address next-generation aviation logistics challenges,” said Ben Marchionna, Electra’s Director of Technology and Innovation. “With our differentiated combination of hybrid-electric propulsion and a blown fixed wing, we can offer Pacific theater-relevant payloads and ranges, and the ability to operate from rough soccer field-sized spaces as well as many naval vessels and adjacent assets, all from day one. Beyond boilerplate tactical logistics use cases, we also see this airplane as an enabler for expeditionary power generation, mesh networking, and even as an essential node for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) employment.”
A military history enthusiast, Richard began at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet grew in importance as a research tool, he helped design the company's Forecast Intelligence Center and currently coordinates the EMarket Alert newsletters for clients. Richard also manages social media efforts, including two new blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, covering defense systems and international issues, and Flight Plan, which focuses on commercial aviation and space systems. For over 30 years, Richard has authored the Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International) services. The two books provide detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database that tracks all the contractors involved in the programs covered in the FI library. More recently he was appointed Manager, Information Services Group (ISG), a new unit that encompasses developing outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
