Electra recently participated in the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Future Flag 25-3 test event in Rome, New York.
The event, which took place from late August to early September, is part of an experimentation series designed to accelerate the development of capabilities for the U.S. Air Force.
During the event, Electra’s EL2 Ultra-STOL prototype aircraft underwent a series of government-directed tests and operational scenarios. The tests were aimed at evaluating the aircraft’s ultra-short takeoff and landing (Ultra-STOL) and hybrid-electric power generation capabilities. The company was the sole industry participant in the event, which included support from multiple Air Force units, including the New York Air National Guard’s 174th Attack Wing.
The testing is the latest milestone in a Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) awarded to Electra by the U.S. Air Force’s AFWERX to develop and demonstrate hybrid-electric aircraft. The tests highlighted the potential military utility of Electra’s nine-passenger EL9 Ultra-STOL aircraft, which is currently in development.
“Future Flag was a prime opportunity to test and evaluate the practical and transformative capabilities developed with the support of AFRL and AFWERX,” said Donn Yates, Electra’s Vice President of Government Programs. “From ground-based power to medical transport to forward resupply, our Ultra-STOL aircraft delivers an array of multi-mission applications that our warfighters need. We were thrilled to showcase them with our government partners during Future Flag 25-3.”
The aircraft also participated in an operational scenario, flying alongside the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing and the Connecticut Air National Guard’s 103rd Airlift Wing. This demonstrated tactical airlift capabilities to inform the concept of operations for the EL9.
Yates concluded, “Working with our Air National Guard partners, the scenarios we executed are a concrete demonstration of how Ultra-STOL aircraft can augment existing platforms and fill an important gap in existing tactical airlift capabilities.”
