US-based aerospace company Electra.aero, Inc. (Electra) has announced that its nine-passenger EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft successfully passed powered wind tunnel testing.
The test demonstrates the high lift capabilities necessary for ultra-short takeoff and landing (STOL) operations, unlocking the era of aviation without airports. The tests confirm that the EL9 can take off and land in just 150 feet, a mere 10 percent of the distance required by comparable conventional aircraft.
Using a 20% scale model of the EL9 wing, the wind tunnel tests achieved lift coefficients exceeding 20, which is seven times greater than the typical 2.5 to 3 range of unblown wings.
This substantial increase in lift is attributed to the innovative electric blown lift system, which enhances the wing’s lifting capacity at low speeds. This capability is crucial for safe and efficient STOL performance, allowing the aircraft to operate from significantly smaller spaces.
In addition, the testing also verified that the EL9’s approach and landing profile adhere to all FAA Part 23 safety and stall margin requirements, ensuring predictable and safe handling during low-speed operations.
The EL9’s STOL capabilities unlock new possibilities for air operators, enabling them to connect communities lacking traditional aviation infrastructure. Its quiet operation allows it to fly into airports with strict noise constraints. These features also present new business models for cargo services, potentially reducing logistical issues and saving travel time.
The potential of Electra’s blown wing technology is also adopted for military applications. The EL9’s ability to land on unimproved surfaces, coupled with its potential to reduce costs, improve safety, power ground operations, and conduct logistics transport, could significantly enhance military capabilities.
The US Army is providing funding for this development through a contract with Small Business Innovation Research, which provided investment in wind tunnel testing.
Electra is continually refining the EL9’s design, incorporating findings from wind tunnel tests, data gathered from flight tests and demonstrations of its EL2 aircraft. Electra expects to conduct the first test flights of the EL9 in 2027 with certification and enter commercial service in 2029 regarding FAA Part 23 regulations.
The aerospace company has received over 2,200 pre-orders for its EL9 worth $10 billion, which is one of the largest orders in the Advanced Air Mobility industry.
