Electra.Aero
Electra EL9 Ultra Short
The Electra EL9 Ultra Short, conceived by aerospace firm Electra.Aero in 2021, represents a pivotal shift toward compact regional transport. Development began after the successful EL7 series, with engineers targeting a market niche demanding aircraft able to operate from runways shorter than 800 meters while carrying up to 12 passengers. The prototype first flew on 14 March 2023 from the company’s test field in Santa Clara, California, and earned certification from FAA and EASA by mid‑2024, thanks to its advanced composite airframe and integrated fly‑by‑wire control system.
Key features include a low‑drag carbon‑fiber fuselage, a rear‑mounted turboprop engine delivering 1,200 shaft horsepower, and fully electric auxiliary power units that cut ground‑time fuel consumption by 30 percent. The EL9’s optimized high‑lift winglets enable take‑off distances of just 540 meters, while its cabin offers modular seating and panoramic windows that enhance passenger comfort on short hops.
The aircraft’s significance lies in redefining accessibility for remote and island communities, reducing runway infrastructure costs, and demonstrating how lightweight materials combined with hybrid propulsion can lower operating expenses. Since entering service in early 2025, the EL9 Ultra Short has been adopted by over thirty regional carriers worldwide, setting a new benchmark for ultra‑short‑range aviation.
Key features include a low‑drag carbon‑fiber fuselage, a rear‑mounted turboprop engine delivering 1,200 shaft horsepower, and fully electric auxiliary power units that cut ground‑time fuel consumption by 30 percent. The EL9’s optimized high‑lift winglets enable take‑off distances of just 540 meters, while its cabin offers modular seating and panoramic windows that enhance passenger comfort on short hops.
The aircraft’s significance lies in redefining accessibility for remote and island communities, reducing runway infrastructure costs, and demonstrating how lightweight materials combined with hybrid propulsion can lower operating expenses. Since entering service in early 2025, the EL9 Ultra Short has been adopted by over thirty regional carriers worldwide, setting a new benchmark for ultra‑short‑range aviation.
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Classification
Performance
- Maximum Speed
- 175 knot
- Range
- 1100 nautical mile
Design & Classification
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Electra.Aero
- Developer
- Electra.Aero
- Engine
- turbo generator
- Wikidata ID
- Q133530612