NASA Administrator Bill Nelson flies aboard Electra Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft during visit to Electra HQ

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson flew aboard Electra’s hybrid-electric EL2 Goldfinch Ultra Short prototype aircraft, experiencing firsthand the aircraft unique ability to take off and land in soccer field-sized spaces to make sustainable point-to-point travel a reality. The flight also marks the first ever by a U.S. government agency head on a next-generation Advanced Air Mobility aircraft.

The 24-minute flight on Electra’s two-seat fixed-wing aircraft showcased its Ultra Short capabilities, completing a series of takeoffs and landings with just 150 feet of ground roll made possible by Electra’s proprietary blown-lift technology. The flight demonstrated both hybrid-electric and quiet battery-only operations, with an acoustic signature of just 55 dB at 500 feet—the equivalent of a normal conversation. Electra Chief Test Pilot Cody Allee piloted the aircraft during the December 8 flight, departing from Electra’s headquarters at Manassas Regional Airport.

EL2 Goldfinch serves as a testbed for Electra’s distributed electric propulsion system and blown-lift technology, which are being scaled up for the company’s Nine-passenger EL9 Ultra Short aircraft. With more than 2,100 orders already placed for the EL9, Electra is leading the charge to bring sustainable air travel closer to where we live, work and play. 

“Flying aboard this new technology is an inspiring example of how innovation and determination can redefine what’s possible in aviation,” said Nelson. “Advancements in hybrid-electric flight are a critical part of the aviation industry’s transformation toward cleaner, quieter, and more accessible air transportation.”

 
Electra CEO Marc Allen welcomed the opportunity to showcase the EL2’s capabilities to NASA commenting: “This flight underscores Electra’s commitment to deliver sustainable air travel to communities everywhere,” Allen said. “We’re honored to have Administrator Nelson experience the groundbreaking performance of our prototype aircraft firsthand, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with NASA to advance the future of aviation.”