An aircraft concept that began in an MIT classroom is moving toward large-scale manufacturing. Electra is investing $850 million to produce its nine-passenger hybrid-electric aircraft in Ohio, turning a student project into a new approach to regional air transportation, tells MIT News.
The idea originated in a 2017 MIT graduate course exploring air transportation systems. While electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft were attracting attention, students investigated whether fixed-wing aircraft using similar electric technologies could provide greater range and efficiency. Their work evolved into Electra’s ultra-short takeoff and landing aircraft.
The aircraft combines a gas-powered turbine generator with batteries and eight wing-mounted electric motors. During takeoff and landing, the generator and batteries power the motors together. During cruise, the generator supplies electricity and can recharge the batteries. Because the turbine can be sized for efficient cruising rather than maximum takeoff power, Electra can use a smaller engine.
Eight propellers create blown lift across the wing, allowing the aircraft to operate from areas roughly the length of a soccer field. Electra says the design can use locations such as parking lots and barges while producing less noise than conventional aircraft. It targets a range of about 1,200 miles and a cruising speed near 200 mph, although trips between 50 and 250 miles are considered particularly suitable.
Electra has already demonstrated the technology with its two-seat EL2 prototype, which first flew in 2023 and has completed more than 200 flights.
The company now plans a 96-acre manufacturing facility in Springfield and Clark County, Ohio. The project is expected to create 1,975 jobs. Initial production capacity will reach 400 aircraft annually before expanding to about 800. Beyond passenger transportation, Electra is considering cargo, military logistics, and humanitarian missions.
