Aircraft
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works Backs Electra's EL9 Ultra-Short Aircraft
Partnership will explore opportunities to be involved in U.S. defense programs
Electra EL9 ultra-short hybrid-electric aircraft
Electra Aero's EL9 ultra-short hybrid-electric aircraft is intended for a variety of military and civil applications.

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works is helping Electra Aero to accelerate development of its hybrid-electric EL9 ultra-short take-off and landing aircraft. On June 19 at the Paris Air Show, the U.S. defense group, which is an investor in the Virginia-based start-up, signed a memorandum of understanding to support the program.

The Lockheed Martin advanced technology unit will help Electra with tasks including digital engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and sustainment preparations, and global business development. The Skunk Works and Electra teams will also jointly assess opportunities to work on programs of record with the U.S. Department of Defense and foreign military agencies.