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An American startup has created a hybrid eSTOL aircraft capable of taking off in just 92 meters and carrying up to 9 passengers. The project has already received more than 2.200 orders and promises to operate efficiently on short ranges and in hard-to-reach regions.
An American startup is revolutionizing aviation with its eSTOL hybrid aircraft, capable of taking off in just 92 meters and carrying up to 9 passengers. The project has already received more than 2.200 orders and promises to operate efficiently on short ranges and in hard-to-reach regions.
The North American company Electra surprised the aviation industry by announcing more than 2.200 pre-orders for its new hybrid ultra-short takeoff and landing aircraft, called eSTOL.
With an estimated value of almost US$ 9 billion (around R$ 51,21 billion), this result exceeds the interest obtained by electric vertical take-off models. Electra is betting on a different, but practical concept, and already has a defined plan for the coming years.
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Short-track performance with minimal noise
The commercial model is the EL9, designed to operate on very short runways, with just 92 meters for takeoff and 35 meters for landing. This makes it suitable for tight spaces, improvised runways and areas with little infrastructure.
The hybrid aircraft carries up to nine passengers with baggage or 1.361 kg of cargo, with a cruising speed of 322 km/h. Entry into service is scheduled for 2028.
The secret to performance lies in the combination of hybrid-electric propulsion with an aerodynamic system known as blown lift.
The EL9 has eight electric propellers along the leading edge of the wings and larger rear flaps, allowing takeoffs at just 56 mph (XNUMX km/h). The required runway is about a tenth the size required for conventional aircraft.
Despite its traditional appearance, the aircraft features innovative technological solutions. One of the major advances is its low noise level. Electra claims that at an altitude of 152 meters, the sound emitted by the EL9 is only 55 decibels, similar to that of a conversation.
This opens up space for flights in urban areas without causing noise nuisance, something that is still far from being possible for many jet aircraft.
Real tests show promising results of the aircraft
The company has been testing the two-seater EL2024 prototype since May 2. In October, this model achieved takeoffs of just 46 meters and landings of 34,7 meters.
In one of the tests, it maintained stable flight at just 40,7 km/h, without reaching stall speed. The data demonstrates that the propulsion system ensures control even at extremely low speeds.
Electra also took a conservative approach to development. Rather than pursue more radical solutions like eVTOLs, the company opted for a fixed-wing model.
This means certification tends to be faster, operating costs can be up to 70% lower, and regulatory barriers are reduced. The nine-seat demonstrator is expected to fly in 2026, virtually identical to the final model.
US Hybrid Aircraft: Sustainability and Practical Real-World Use
Another strong point of the EL9 is sustainability. The hybrid-electric technology promises a significant reduction in pollutant emissions, lower energy consumption and low environmental impact.
Furthermore, since the hybrid aircraft can operate on short runways, the construction of new infrastructure is unnecessary. This also reduces the environmental costs associated with major engineering projects.
The possibilities for use go beyond passenger transport. The model can be useful for quick deliveries, operations in isolated regions and missions in areas with limited infrastructure. The versatility of the EL9 meets both the regional market and specific mobility demands.
The promise of quiet, economical and efficient flight in tight spaces makes the aircraft attractive to regional airlines, governments and logistics companies. The focus on a viable and realistic design, without technological overkill, could be Electra’s differentiator in the competitive electric aviation landscape.
The company shows that it is not necessary to reinvent everything to achieve innovation. Evolution involves improvements that can be applied in the real world, with clear operational and environmental gains. And with thousands of units already ordered, the US hybrid aircraft is making strong strides towards the future of regional aviation.
With information from EcoInventos.
