The Electra EL-2 Goldfinch is a two-seat manned demonstrator aircraft designed as a hybrid-electric eSTOL (electric short takeoff and landing). With its eight wing-mounted propellers it is able to achieve extremely short take-off and landing distances of less than 100 m. The aircraft is approved for manned flights by the FAA and flew fully electric for the first time at Manassas Regional Airport in Virginia on November 11, 2023 and in hybrid mode on November 19. A turbo generator is installed in the aircraft, which recharges the batteries during flight.
© Electra.aero
The EL-2 Goldfinch is powered by two high-performance batteries which were developed cooperatively by Electra and Air Energy and are manufactured by Air Energy. These are equipped with the in-house battery management system and are individually designed to meet the requirements of the aircraft. Being used as a traction battery, the main focus is on high reliability and performance, especially in the take-off and landing phase, as the air flow generated by the propellers contributes significantly to the overall lift and makes the extremely short landing and take-off distances possible.
The successful test flight is a milestone in the cooperation of the two companys to develop innovative and sustainable methods of transportation for the future. To support the successful first flights, one of our battery engineers traveled to the USA.
Specifications
Range:
~800 km
Cruise Speed:
320 km/h
Powertrain:
8 electric motors mounted on the wing