In a groundbreaking achievement for the evolving advanced air mobility sector, a Virginia-based company successfully flew its eSTOL (electric short takeoff and landing) hybrid electric aircraft, Goldfinch, on November 19. The aircraft features a unique "turbogenerator" powering eight motors on its high wing, utilizing blown lift over the wings for impressive short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance. The two-seater technology demonstrator soared for 23 minutes, reaching an altitude of 3,200 feet after departing from Manassas.
The company is now actively developing a nine-passenger model with projected capabilities to land and take off within 150 feet, achieve a cruising speed of 200 MPH, and cover distances of up to 500 miles. Electra, the visionary behind the project, reports pre-orders for 1,700 aircraft totaling $6 billion. Additionally, the company has secured up to $85 million in funding from the Air Force to advance the production prototype.
John Langford, CEO of Electra, emphasized, "The aim of Electra is to fill a gap in air travel between 50 and 500 miles, where most trips today are made by automobile. The key to saving time is to operate close in, which means getting in and out of small spaces quietly and safely, while still being fast enough to cover long distances."