Electra Wins Navy Contract to Evaluate eSTOL Aircraft as Contested Logistics Capability

The U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command has awarded Electra a contract to explore the capability of the company’s electric short takeoff and landing aircraft to operate in contested logistics environments.

Throughout the contract duration, Electra will collaborate with Navy stakeholders to identify specific contested logistics applications and perform a conceptual design study to determine how the eSTOL aircraft can bridge capability gaps in the Navy’s logistics operations.

Besides tactical logistics applications, the eSTOL aircraft can be used to enable expeditionary power generation and mesh networking and support the Joint All-Domain Command and Control warfighting concept, Electra said.

In November 2023, the Virginia-based startup flew its Goldfinch two-seater eSTOL demonstrator aircraft for the first time. According to Electra, the aircraft can fly up to nine passengers or payloads with a maximum weight of 2,500 lb over a 500-mile distance, with ground rolls as short as 150 ft.

Ben Marchionna, Electra’s director of technology and innovation, said the aircraft combines hybrid-electric propulsion and a blown fixed-wing to enable operations from soccer field-sized spaces and naval vessels.