FutureFlight
NASA Backs Electra's Work on eSTOL Blown Lift Technology
Electra is partnered with a team from the University of Southern California to develop new methods for testing blown lift technology for its planned eSTOL aircraft.
Electra
Electra's eSTOL aircraft uses blown lift technology to support its projected ultra-short takeoff and landing performance of just 150 feet. (Image: Electra.aero)

NASA has awarded Electra.aero a contract to support the development of its “blown lift” technology, which it intends to use for its planned eSTOL aircraft. Under NASA’s Small Business Technology Transfer program, Electra is working with a team led by Alejandra Uranga, Gabilian assistant professor at the University of Southern California’s Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering.

According to the Virginia-based company, it will be ready to start flight testing a full-scale hybrid-electric technology demonstrator in 2022 as it progresses towards anticipated type certification in 2026. The aircraft, which will use a 150-kW turbogenerator to power eight electric motors and charge a set of batteries, is intended to carry up to seven passengers and a pilot on flights of up to 500 miles.