Multiple government-directed tests evaluated how Ultra-STOL and hybrid-electric technologies can support America’s warfighters

Electra today announced it has completed its participation in the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Future Flag 25-3 test event in Rome, NY, which took place in late August to early September. Future Flag is an experimentation series that aims to accelerate the development, demonstration, and fielding of innovative capabilities for the U.S Air Force. Future Flag 25-3 consisted of government-directed tests (GDT) and operational scenarios to evaluate Electra’s ultra-short takeoff and landing (Ultra-STOL) and hybrid-electric power generation capabilities.

Future Flag featured multiple Air Force units including the New York Air National Guard’s 174th Attack Wing, which supported the GDTs with critical personnel and technology resources. Electra was the only industry participant to support the test event.

The GDTs marked the latest milestone under the Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) awarded to Electra by the U.S. Air Force’s AFWERX to develop, test and demonstrate hybrid-electric aircraft. Electra’s EL2 Ultra-STOL prototype aircraft participated in Future Flag. The tests highlighted the novel operational capabilities of hybrid-electric aircraft and potential military utility of Electra’s EL9, a nine-passenger Ultra-STOL aircraft currently in development.

“Future Flag was a prime opportunity to test and evaluate the practical and transformative capabilities developed with the support of AFRL and AFWERX,” said Donn Yates, Electra’s Vice President of Government Programs. “From ground-based power to medical transport to forward resupply, our Ultra-STOL aircraft delivers an array of multi-mission applications that our warfighters need. We were thrilled to showcase them with our government partners during Future Flag 25-3.”

Additionally, Electra’s Ultra-STOL aircraft flew alongside the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing and the Connecticut Air National Guard’s 103rd Airlift Wing as part of an operational scenario. Electra demonstrated tactical airlift capabilities overlaid by the operational scenario to inform the concept of operations for the EL9.

“Working with our Air National Guard partners, the scenarios we executed are a concrete demonstration of how Ultra-STOL aircraft can augment existing platforms and fill an important gap in existing tactical airlift capabilities," said Yates.