Electra, the manufacturer of a hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft designed to operate from soccer field-sized spaces, has reached a critical milestone in the development of its flagship, nine-passenger design.
The manufacturer on Wednesday announced that its EL-2 Goldfinch demonstrator—a two-seat version of the design used in testing—achieved its first piloted "ultra-short" takeoff and landing, lifting off with just 170 feet of runway and touching down with under 114 feet ground roll.
During a test campaign, the aircraft, which utilizes a unique blown-lift design, flew as slow as 25 knots during takeoff and landing. It reached an altitude of 6,500 feet and maxed out with a flight time of one hour and 43 minutes.
I sat up front on an Airbus A320 I think it was. Talk about engine noise!!!! I was almost directly in front of the intake on the right side! Was that a deafening experience! Not quite as bad a a Tupelov Tu-95 though.
I can recall being in Midwest City OK outside with some other people, looking at the rather ominous clouds overhead and some said, "Why are they sounding the tornado sirens?" I replied that was a C-5A over at Tinker AFB.
I sat up front on an Airbus A320 I think it was. Talk about engine noise!!!! I was almost directly in front of the intake on the right side! Was that a deafening experience! Not quite as bad a a Tupolev Tu-95 though.