Electra develops eSTOL pre-production prototype for US Air Force
Electra will soon test a two-seat piloted eSTOL technology demonstrator aircraft. (Photo: Electra)
The USAF has awarded aerospace company Electra a contract worth up to $85 million to develop a full-scale pre-production prototype electric short take-off and landing (eSTOL) aircraft.
The deal falls under a Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) award run by the USAF AFWERX innovation arm.
Electra says its eSTOL platform is characterised by a ‘helicopter-like operational flexibility’ with performance and operating costs that exceed similar fixed-wing aircraft.
This STRATFI award secures an investment partnership that funds rapid development, test and evaluation of a full-scale pre-production prototype eSTOL aircraft which the USAF can use to validate requirements and operational use cases.
Electra
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
Taiwan completes F-16 upgrade programme as delivery timeline of new jets remains in doubt
The Taiwanese air force has completed its six-year-long F-16 upgrade programme as the country awaits delivery of 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets.
-
Embraer C-390 triumphs in South Korea's transport aircraft competition
Embraer's C-390 Millennium has secured a contract with South Korea, outperforming industry rivals such as Lockheed Martin and Airbus, marking a pivotal moment as the nation is set to become the first C-390 customer in Asia.
-
Irish C295 MPAs fitted with Viasat SATCOM terminals
The terminals enable secure, reliable satellite connectivity and support a range of command, control and communication needs for the C295 aircraft, which have roles in maritime patrol, tactical transport, special operations and medical evacuation.
-
South Korea orders F-35 fighter munitions
The US has greenlit a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to South Korea, entailing a package of F-35 ammunition valued at around $271 million.