Tiny 'super-slow' plane breaks sales records

The Electra looks like a regular light-duty car. aircraft, but it also creates such impressive lift that it can take off and land at incredibly low speeds, using virtually no runway.


The model has generated so much interest from potential buyers that it has achieved the best sales figures in its class, with pre-orders now totaling $9 billion – more than any other eVTOL.

Electra Features

The Electra's single-pilot, hybrid-electric STOL (short takeoff and landing) version is designed to carry up to 1361 kg of cargo or nine passengers and luggage. The aircraft has a maximum range of 2037 km, with a cruising speed of 322 km/h.


The aircraft featured features eight electric propellers running along the leading edge of the wings, as well as large flaps hanging from the trailing edge. This configuration creates an aerodynamic “blow-out lift” effect that is powerful enough to propel the aircraft off the ground at just 56 mph (XNUMX km/h).

At the same time, these parameters are set as quickly as possible, which means that a small runway can be used. Its length can be limited to 92 meters, which is ten times less than the length of the runway for most aircraft with a capacity of up to 20 passengers.


Equally attractive to investors is the fact that the Electra functions almost like a conventional aircraft, so the path to certification and commercial operation, in their opinion, should be much smoother and easier than with an eVTOL.

Test records

The two-seat EL2024 prototype, powered by a blown-wing hybrid propulsion system, has been in flight testing since May 2. As of this fall, its shortest takeoff was about 46 m, and its shortest landing was even shorter at 34,7 m.


According to the company's vice president, J.P. Stewart, the EL2 has demonstrated the ability to fly at speeds as low as 40,7 mph (2 km/h) due to its impressive lift. The stall speed, he claims, has yet to be found. The EL55 is also very quiet, producing a noise level of XNUMX decibels during flight, equivalent to the sound of a normal conversation in a room.

When in series

In parallel with ongoing testing, the company is working on a full-scale nine-seat technology demonstrator, which is expected to fly in 2026. This will be followed by the EL9 Ultra Short pre-production prototype, which is expected to be certified and cleared for operation in 2028.


As we have already said, there are many people who want to buy this aircraft. To date, the manufacturer has accepted orders for more than 2200 units. Their total amount is approaching $9 billion. This, for comparison, is significantly more than the largest seller in the eVTOL field - Archer Aviation. They can currently boast a pre-order volume of only $6 billion.