Lockheed Martin and Electra Accelerate EL9 Ultra-STOL Commercialisation

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and Electra.Aero Inc. have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to investigate potential opportunities for Electra's EL9 ultra-short takeoff and landing (Ultra-STOL) aircraft. Lockheed Martin will partner with Electra to explore methods to expedite the development of the EL9. This collaboration will focus on areas such as digital engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, sustainment, and global business development.

Furthermore, the Skunk Works and Electra teams will evaluate opportunities for potential programs of record with the US Department of Defence (DoD) and international clients.

The Electra EL9 is set to revolutionise both commercial and military aviation, offering solutions for last-mile logistics, mobile power generation, and emergency response. The Ultra-STOL EL9 is capable of quiet takeoffs and landings within 150 feet and on unimproved surfaces, facilitating operations in challenging environments while maintaining the safety, cost-effectiveness, and range advantages of a fixed-wing aircraft. With the capacity to transport 1,000 lbs. over a distance of 1,000 miles, the EL9 opens up a variety of innovative applications for both commercial and defence sectors.

“Lockheed Martin’s breadth of manufacturing, supply chain and military customer expertise is the perfect complement to Electra’s EL9 commercialisation strategy,” said Marc Allen, CEO of Electra. “This relationship will accelerate our speed to market to bring the EL9’s transformative capabilities to our military customers.”

“Electra has driven signification innovation in the hybrid-electric space, and we’re excited to collaborate with them to accelerate their development,” said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works.

The agreement enhances the strategic partnership between Lockheed Martin and Electra. In 2022, Lockheed Martin Ventures entered into a strategic cooperation agreement to invest in Electra’s Series A funding round.

Electra is a leading aerospace company specialising in the development of hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft, designed to deliver unprecedented performance benefits by enabling seamless transportation of passengers and cargo without the need for airports, emissions, or noise. Through the Ultra Short, Electra is at the forefront of Direct Aviation, a revolutionary approach to connectivity that integrates air travel more closely with our everyday environments. Electra's Ultra Short technology offers 2.5 times the payload capacity and 10 times the range of helicopters and eVTOLs, alongside a 70% reduction in operating costs, enhanced safety, and significantly lower certification risks.

Electra's team comprises highly respected and accomplished entrepreneurs and engineers specialising in innovative aircraft design, with a track record of successfully developing and certifying over 40 aircraft. Electra's contracted clients include NASA, the US Air Force, the US Army, and the US Navy. Additionally, the company has secured Letters of Intent for over 2,200 aircraft from more than 50 commercial customers, including airlines and helicopter operators.