Electra's hybrid aircraft could make city air travel practical
Electra just showed off its new hybrid-electric aircraft, the EL2, recently at Virginia Tech.
This prototype can take off and land in tight spaces thanks to eight electric propellers—think liftoff at just 56km/h.
It's designed for short hops and could make city air travel way more practical.
The EL2 handled tests on everything from paved roads to grass fields
The EL2 handled tests on everything from paved roads to grass fields. It uses batteries for takeoff, then a turbogenerator recharges them mid-air for longer trips.
Electra's CEO Marc Allen says its fast turnaround and pinpoint landings have "the power to transform aviation as we know it."
With over 2,200 orders already and plans for a bigger nine-seater by 2029 (pending certifications), Electra is aiming to make quiet, affordable city flights a real thing soon.