Virginia-based aerospace company Electra has completed flight trials of its “Ultra Short” aircraft prototype for the US Air Force.
Held at the Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico and Joint Base Langley-Eustis, the demonstrations validated the hybrid-electric system’s short takeoff and landing (STOL) and logistical capabilities in complex scenarios.
The activities involved resupply deployments across areas simulating uncommon airstrips, including grass fields.
Throughout the exhibitions, the Ultra Short demonstrated operability without ground support through the aid of its onboard power generator, which is planned to sustain over 600 kilowatts of continuous power and more than 1 megawatt for short bursts in the aircraft’s final production design.
This technology was also tested by supplying power to equipment and sound systems for the event’s pre-flight presentations.
Electra Chief Test Pilot Cody Allee flew the Ultra Short to further highlight its low-altitude and low-speed maneuverability for remote locations, ships, and barges.
“These flight demonstrations mark a significant milestone for Electra as we show the capabilities of the technology in the real-world,” Electra Vice President and General Manager JP Stewart stated.
“Our Ultra Short aircraft make it possible to operate from austere locations previously only reachable by helicopters, with 70 percent lower costs and very quiet operations. We’re excited to collaborate with our government partners to deliver a new level of capability and operational energy efficiency that aligns with the future of defense logistics and mobility.”
Supporting Agility Prime Program
The Ultra Short’s test campaign is part of ongoing testbed development between Electra and the US Air Force’s innovation arm AFWERX to provide a modern aircraft for the Pentagon’s Agility Prime program.
Agility Prime seeks vertical lift platforms that can be deployed for different use cases across combat operations, military installations, and aircrew preparation efforts.
The air force awarded Electra a Strategic Funding Increase contract in 2023 to build a full-scale STOL aircraft prototype supporting this initiative.
“AFWERX is committed to supporting the accelerated development of the dual-use Ultra Short technology. This aircraft’s efficient, quiet, and sustainable operations align with military objectives for contested and expeditionary logistics,” AFWERX Agility Prime Branch Chief Jacob Wilson remarked.
“Its hybrid-electric propulsion system provides extended range and endurance, making it suitable for Agile Combat Employment missions in austere locations with compromised or nonexistent runways.”