Electra’s eSTOL achieves first ultra-short takeoff and landing

Electra.aero has achieved its first ultra-short flight operations of its piloted blown-lift hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) demonstrator aircraft, the EL-2 Goldfinch. “We’ve proven that our eSTOL aircraft has the capability to do what we said it could do – operate from space shorter than 300 feet,” said Electra vice president and general manager JP Stewart. “The aircraft handling at low-speeds has been exceptional and is matching our analysis well, building confidence in the predicted capability of the 9-passenger product design.” The test flights, piloted by Cody Allee, took place through April and May 2024 at the Manassas Regional