The key facts

  • The Electra EL2 aircraft took off and landed at the Downtown Skyport heliport in Manhattan, with a takeoff run of about 46 meters
  • The technology is based on a hybrid-electric powertrain and directing airflow over the wings, which increases lift at low speeds
  • More than 60 air carriers have stated their intention to use such aircraft under the Direct Aviation concept

A flight from a site not designed for airplanes

The test flight took place at the Downtown Skyport heliport in Manhattan. According to Electra, this is the first time an aircraft incapable of vertical takeoff has performed both a takeoff and a landing there. Kun.uz reported this.

How the technology works

The company's Ultra Short aircraft uses a hybrid-electric powertrain and a technology that directs airflow over the wings, which increases lift even at low speeds. As a result, the aircraft can take off and land over a very short distance — the company estimates it at about 46 meters. Electra had previously tested the experimental EL2 in downtown Charleston, at Bader Field airport in Atlantic City, and at the Snowshoe ski resort; each test was aimed at demonstrating flights from sites that conventional aircraft do not use.

What this changes in practice

Such a capability could increase the number of sites suitable for regional transport: heliports, small airfields, and other compact facilities would be able to receive and send passengers, and it may not be necessary to invest heavily in building new runways every time. The Manhattan test is part of the Direct Aviation concept promoted by Electra, whose goal is to bring departure points closer to the places where people live, work, or gather, reducing the time spent traveling to major airports and sitting in traffic.

Forecasts and participation in the FAA program

According to the company's calculations, such a system could cut the total travel time from New York to Boston by about 3 hours 45 minutes, to Washington by 3 hours 30 minutes, and to Philadelphia by 45 minutes. Importantly, these figures are forecasts for future operations, not results directly measured during the demonstration flight in Manhattan. Electra is also taking part in the US Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) program for introducing advanced air mobility systems: under it, instrument flight procedures similar to helicopter aviation methods were demonstrated at the Roanoke–Blacksburg regional airport. According to the company, more than 60 air carriers have stated their intention to use such aircraft on regional routes under Direct Aviation; partners also include airport authorities, aviation services organizations, and construction companies interested in establishing new air transport points in cities and residential areas.