Electra.aero flies NASA Administrator in Goldfinch demonstrator

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has taken a flight aboard Electra.aero’s hybrid-electric EL2 Goldfinch ultra short prototype aircraft.

The 24-minute flight on Electra’s two-seat fixed-wing aircraft included a series of takeoffs and landings. 

“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.”

The flight demonstrated both hybrid-electric and battery-only operations. Electra Chief Test Pilot Cody Allee piloted the aircraft during yesterday’s flight (December 8th), departing from Electra’s headquarters at Manassas Regional Airport.

Electra CEO Marc Allen said: “This flight underscores Electra’s commitment to deliver sustainable air travel to communities everywhere. We’re honoured 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.”

The EL2 Goldfinch serves as a testbed for Electra’s distributed electric propulsion system and blown-lift technology, which are being scaled up for the firm’s nine-passenger EL9 Ultra Short aircraft. 

Meanwhile, Electra was recently selected to develop aircraft concepts and technologies for commercial airliners under NASA’s Advanced Aircraft Concepts for Environmental Sustainability (AACES) 2050 initiative.