The U.S. Air Force (USAF) has chosen Electra Aero for a Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) award, securing up to $85 million in investment funding. This award will go towards the rapid development of a full-scale pre-production prototype of Electra’s electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft. The eSTOL aircraft represents a new class of aircraft, characterized by helicopter-like operational flexibility and better performance and operating costs than comparable fixed-wing aircraft.
Graphic: Electra
The eSTOL aircraft is designed for operations from small spaces and can fly missions ranging from urban air mobility to cargo logistics and disaster response. The STRATFI award funds the rapid development, test, and evaluation of the eSTOL aircraft, which can be used by the Air Force to validate requirements and operational use cases. The award will also accelerate the transition path for Electra’s commercial nine-passenger eSTOL product aircraft.
Electra Aero has already established itself as a leader in eSTOL technology with its six active USAF SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer contracts. The STRATFI contract will allow Electra to strengthen its partnership with the AFWERX Agility Prime program and further advance its eSTOL technology. This includes advancements in distributed electric propulsion, blown lift aerodynamics and acoustics, precision flight controls, and hybrid-electric powertrains.
The eSTOL aircraft offers a solution for the Air Force’s national security and logistics needs, providing a small and fuel-efficient airlifter that meets operational energy goals and reduces aviation carbon emissions.
For more information, hit the Source below