The impressive performance of ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft
eVTOLs can take off vertically using powered-lift, but if you can find just a 300ft runway, blown-lift eSTOL aircraft offer a compelling mission profile. Gas-powered STOL aircraft have historically struggled with low-speed stability, but Electra’s EL-2 Goldfinch employs eight electric motors fixed in place to blow air over the wing, enabling ultra-short take off, near-instant power response and excellent control authority at low speed.
The Virginia-based manufacturer has also gone for a hybrid-electric architecture, helping maximise speed (200mph), range (500 miles + reserve), and payload (9 passengers + luggage).
eVTOLs and autonomous drone delivery may continue to dominate the headlines, but as distributed electric propulsion realises its potential in other use cases, we may see Regional Air Mobility beat Urban Air Mobility to market, realising the need for insurance to enable commercial passenger operations.
Image credit: Electra.aero
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