U.S. Army Awards Electra $1.9 Million for eSTOL Wind Tunnel Tests

Electra Wins $1.9 Million Army Contract for Wind Tunnel Tests

Small Business Innovation Research contract explores blown-wing tech

Electra eSTOL vehicle — Hybrid-electric power produced with Electra's eSTOL vehicle ensures ranges beyond 1,000 miles without the need for battery charging stations.

By Gregory Polek • Senior Editor

April 22, 2024

Electra has won a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract from the U.S. Army valued at $1.9 million for wind tunnel testing of the company’s hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft. The award allows the U.S. Army to explore Electra’s blown-wing aircraft technology potential to broaden U.S. military capabilities, especially for fuel-efficient, resilient logistics in contested environments.

Electra says its eSTOL vehicle combines helicopter-like applications with fixed-wing-like performance and operating costs. The combination of blown lift and eight distributed electric motors significantly increases wing lift, allowing for ultra-short takeoffs and landings from spaces as small as a soccer field while “dramatically” reducing noise and fuel use compared with conventional aircraft. Hybrid-electric power ensures ranges beyond 1,000 miles for national security applications without the need for battery charging stations.

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