Electra First Hybrid Electric Flight

Electra's first flight of its technology demonstrator, a hybrid-electric, short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft. The two-seat technology demonstrator is the world’s first blown lift aircraft using distributed electric propulsion and a hybrid-electric propulsion system. The aircraft uses eight electric motors to significantly increase wing lift and enable ultra-short takeoffs and landings while dramatically reducing noise and emissions below those of conventional aircraft and helicopters. Hybrid-electric power provides long ranges without the need for ground-based charging stations.

[portnuefflyer]

THIS makes sense to this fixed wing pilot...., and also a plugin hybrid Toyota driver. I like the fact it has a real WING!

[aircraftbreakdown]

Beautiful airplane! I hope to see more about it in the future!

[philpesce]

Really happy for you all! Looking forward to more updates.

[mebejeff]

This is incredible! How does it handle taking off? My first time in an electric car was jarring because of the immediate acceleration, the ultra short takeoff seems very quick, how did that feel?

[DrewLytle]

This is so amazing! Great job friends! Go Virginia!

[jasondavis]

Blown lift, electric propulsion, ultra STOL, AND it looks like a normal airplane, inside seems pretty pilot friendly, it's like a dream come true! I do wonder about engine monitoring, I paused at 1:13 and can see that the altimeter, airspeed, etc (aerodynamic status) are the same, but this wouldn't show fuel pressure, oil temp, oil pressure, etc. but maybe charge on the battery, battery temp? I'm not sure, what would be the parts there to see? It's blurred out in the video I assume because it's your company's custom system which is understandable, but in general what would I have to watch for on that center screen?

[ron]

Why superimpose the takeoff? Didn't want to show the actual takeoff distance?

[royshashibrock]

Great work Electra. Can you imagine their progress once the power density of batteries improves significantly? I am curious about the black tube exiting the fuselage just ahead of the pilot...what is it?

[TheBillCipherReal]

So, the purpose is to reduce carbon emissions, my question is: Is this feasible? What was the carbon emission total of the development of one of these very impressive eSTOL aircraft? Would it outweigh the carbon emitted by say an ordinary Piper Malibu flown 6, 000 hours? Loved the video, the concept is fantastic and the execution of blown lift very well done, smooth takeoff and landing.

[DougCicone]

Will have balistic parachute? would be perfect think on this

[yacahumax]

WOW, Amazing. I wish this technology was available to the small aircraft community. Too many good people dying in old aircrafts, with old engines. I hope electric engines probe to be as reliable in airplanes as in cars. Wish they talk more about the security. It will be cool to have a small battery backup, in case the engine dies, that will allow you to land the plane.

[danieljackson]

This is a feat, very impressive! General Aviation's been an interest of mine, how do electric airplanes compare as far as long flights? If I want to go from Bend Oregon to Normal Illinois, would electric aircraft be able to allow that kind of distance or refueling (recharging) as quick as refueling a normal twin engine or something? Or would weather impact their engines any more than conventional piston engines?

[wocookie]

You guys should work with Viking air up in Canada and use the old DHC Caribou or Buffalo air frames when you scale up. STOL with cargo capacity.

[freddybell]

Less music.and more raw onboard and ground audio please.

[EuNuncaSei-qqpp]

This looks very impressive, my buddys a car mechanic and absolutely hates working on electric cars because of the complexity though, they basically have to be replaced or taken to a super specialized technician, what would aircraft maintenance look like for this kind of airplane? Pretty sure your target market is commercial scene but what routine maintenance or repair do yall forsee with this?

[JoeyBlogs]

What's the unit cost per aircraft?

[tbuyus]

I wonder if there would be a market for these as an alternative to police helicopters and traffic helicopters, or for heli-skiing and parachuting?

Thanks for sharing, it is a very useful technology.

[olivergarrow]

nice, but not exactly a short T/O demonstration.

[maximuscryptosx]

If you lose engines on takeoff, what happens?