Electra has secured 2,200 pre-orders for its EL9 Ultra-Short Takeoff hybrid-electric aircraft.
The EL9 leverages Electra’s proprietary blown-lift technology and hybrid-electric propulsion system to take off and land in just 150 feet. This capability enables operators to access remote locations with minimal infrastructure, bypass strict airport noise restrictions, and unlock new opportunities in cargo transport and regional mobility.
For military applications, the EL9 offers enhanced operational flexibility, including landings on unimproved surfaces, reduced logistical costs, and the ability to support forward-deployed forces with critical supplies and ground power.
Designed to optimize both civilian and defense operations, the EL9 accommodates nine passengers or up to 3,000 pounds of cargo, delivering a range of up to 1,100 nautical miles. Its in-flight battery recharging system eliminates the need for ground charging infrastructure, ensuring seamless operations in austere environments. The aircraft’s ability to operate from unconventional locations—such as grass fields, parking lots, and repurposed heliports—expands regional connectivity, making air mobility more accessible and cost-effective than ever before.
Marc Allen, CEO of Electra, said, “Electra’s Ultra Short is the unlock for a new era of air travel – what we call Direct Aviation – that is as transformative as it’s practical. Hybrid-electric propulsion enables us to achieve what jet fuel alone can’t do; we’ve created a fixed-wing airplane that delivers the access of a helicopter with 100 times less noise, 70 percent lower cost, improved safety, and dramatically reduced emissions. The response from the global aviation industry has been tremendous. Our customers see the EL9 aircraft as a true game-changer, and they’re using its ultra-short takeoff capabilities to open the door to new routes in areas with space and noise constraints. Together, we’re enabling a fundamental leap forward in advanced air mobility.”
According to Electra, the company’s technology suite represents a leap forward in aviation, blending low noise, operational affordability, and sustainability into a single, high-performance platform built for the future of both commercial and defense aviation.
