Translation note: This article was translated with the assistance of AI.
U.S. aircraft developer Electra has completed a successful takeoff and landing with its EL2 hybrid-electric technology demonstrator at Downtown Skyport in Manhattan. The demonstration at the facility, used mainly by helicopters, showed that a fixed-wing aircraft can use an exceptionally short runway without vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.
Propeller-Driven Airflow Enables Extremely Short Takeoffs and Landings
An active high-lift system underpins the technology. Electra pairs hybrid-electric propulsion with multiple electrically driven propellers positioned along the wings. The propellers accelerate local airflow and alter its passage over the wings and flaps, producing high lift even at low airspeeds.
The manufacturer states that this approach, called blown lift, allows takeoff and landing distances of approximately 150 feet (46 meters). Unlike electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the system has no need for vertical propeller thrust to carry the aircraft’s full weight.
Electra uses the EL2 as a test platform for its planned nine-seat EL9 aircraft. The company is assessing the feasibility of operating regional air services from very small takeoff and landing areas.
The main purpose of the Manhattan demonstration is to show how existing infrastructure could accommodate new air transportation concepts.
Certification of the larger EL9 is still pending. The economic viability of such services also remains to be proven in future commercial operations.