Summary: Electra raises $115M Series B funding to develop EL9 Ultra Short aircraft, revolutionizing takeoff and landing with electric hybrid tech.
Electra.aero has raised $115 million in Series B funding to advance its groundbreaking EL9 Ultra Short aircraft into pre-production and certification phases. The EL9 is capable of taking off and landing within just 150 feet, significantly reducing the space needed compared to conventional aircraft.
Revolutionizing Aviation with Ultra Short Takeoff
The EL9 Ultra Short aircraft combines innovative blown lift technology with hybrid-electric propulsion. This unique combination allows it to operate like a helicopter in terms of landing and takeoff versatility, but with the quietness, efficiency, and cost benefits of fixed-wing airplanes. Its exceptional capabilities enable operations from small, unimproved surfaces such as grass fields and parking lots.
Substantial Market Demand and Business Potential
Electra has secured over 2,200 pre-orders valued at $10 billion, signaling enormous commercial interest from airlines and helicopter operators. These stakeholders aim to connect underserved communities and explore new routes that are restricted by conventional airport infrastructure. The EL9 is designed to offer reduced noise and emissions, aligning with increasing sustainability and regulatory requirements.
Military Applications and Strategic Partnerships
The EL9’s compact footprint and stealth-like launch capability open new possibilities for defense, logistics and troop transport in austere environments. Electra holds more than 20 Small Business Innovation Research contracts with the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, and NASA. Strategic investors include Lockheed Martin Ventures and Honeywell, reinforcing its industrial credibility.
Electra CEO Marc Allen emphasizes the EL9’s transformative potential as an aviation platform that opens commercial routes lacking infrastructure and enables novel military logistics. The aircraft’s hybrid-electric system allows in-flight battery recharging, removing dependence on ground charging stations and enhancing operational flexibility.
Electra’s EL9 technology delivers approximately 2.5 times the payload capacity and up to 10 times the range with 70% lower operating costs compared to helicopters and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Its hybrid-electric propulsion system supports safe, efficient operations with less certification risk compared to fully electric aircraft. This is because the system can recharge batteries during flight, reducing dependency on ground infrastructure and enabling longer missions.
With backing from Prysm Capital, Electra is expanding its workforce and accelerating production. The company pioneers “Direct Aviation,” aiming to bring sustainable air services closer to people’s daily environments. Its technology offers improved safety margins, lower operating costs, and reduced noise and emissions compared to traditional helicopters and many electric aircraft.
This funding milestone, along with the growing pre-order book, highlights a significant business opportunity for investors and commercial operators in the emerging regional air mobility market. The EL9’s distinctive design supports sustainability goals while enabling new logistics capabilities, positioning Electra as a leader in the future of aviation.
Source: PR Newswire, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/electra-raises-115-million-to-pioneer-the-worlds-first-ultra-short-aircraft-302433081.html
Tag: Technology,Business,Hybrid Electric Aircraft