Electra.aero, Inc.(Electra) has selected Evolito, a leading developer of electric engines, generators and fully-integrated electric propulsion systems for aerospace, to supply the electric propulsion units (EPUs) for Electra’s groundbreaking EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet (45 meters).
Evolito will provide Electra with high-performance EPUs that integrate lightweight motors, high-integrity motor controllers, and advanced thermal controls. Engineered for aerospace-grade reliability and efficiency, these EPUs drive the eight propellers along the edge of the EL9’s wing. This distributed electric propulsion system enables the EL9’s ultra-high lift, delivering low airspeeds and precision landings.
“Our production contract with Evolito is a significant step forward for our vision for Direct Aviation—safe, quiet, and affordable air mobility that connects communities in ways never before possible,” said Marc Allen, CEO of Electra.
“Evolito’s lightweight, durable, and cost-effective design will provide exceptional long-term value for operators through low maintenance, long life, and proven reliability.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Electra on the EL9, a game-changing aircraft that aligns perfectly with our mission to accelerate the transition to sustainable aviation,” said Dr. Chris Harris, CEO and Co-founder of Evolito. “Our engine technology is designed for type-certification and scalable production, making it ideally suited to support Electra’s vision for clean, accessible, and efficient regional air travel.”
“Evolito’s EPUs deliver exceptional performance and reliability on a technology chassis with a proven heritage,” noted JP Stewart, Electra’s Senior Vice President, Product Development.
Electra’s nine-passenger EL9 Ultra Short combines patented blown-lift technology and distributed electric propulsion to take off and land in just 150 feet (45 meters), dramatically reducing noise and emissions while unlocking thousands of new access points for air service. Using electric engines to blow air over the wing and large flaps significantly increases wing lift at very slow speeds, allowing the EL9 to take off and land in just 1/10th of the space needed by conventional aircraft. Powered wind tunnel tests of the EL9’s blown wing have validated lift coefficients greater than 20, or seven times greater than the range typical of unblown wings.
With the EL9, Electra is pioneering Direct Aviation, a new model of regional air mobility that saves travellers time, maximizes existing infrastructure, and connects underserved communities. The first test flights are planned for 2027, with certification and commercial service entry anticipated in late 2029, into 2030 under FAA Part 23 regulations. With over 2,200 pre-orders from more than 60 commercial customers worldwide, including both airlines and helicopter operators, the EL9 is already one of the most in-demand aircraft in the advanced air mobility (AAM) sector.
The EL9’s blown-lift technology enables Direct Aviation, a new mode of air travel that uses hundreds of thousands of smaller, more accessible locations to bypass congested airport hubs and bring air travel closer to where travellers live, work, and play.
About Evolito
Evolito is leading electric propulsion and power generation for aerospace with world-leading, light weight axial-flux motors and integrated systems designed for certification and scalable production. Evolito’s electric propulsion systems offer the highest power and torque densities in class. Evolito supports VTOL and fixed-wing applications with propulsion and generation solutions that deliver unmatched power density, efficiency, and safety. The privately held company is based in Oxford. Evolito’s investors include B-Flexion, Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE) and HostPlus.
About Electra.aero
Electra.aero, Inc. (Electra) is an advanced aerospace company building hybrid-electric Ultra Short airplanes that achieve unprecedented performance advantages to fly people and cargo seamlessly without airports, emissions, or noise. With the EL9 Ultra Short, Electra is pioneering Direct Aviation, the next level of connectivity that brings air travel closer to where we live, work, and play. Electra’s Ultra Short technology delivers 2.5x the payload and 10x longer range with 70% lower operating costs than helicopters and eVTOLs with significantly greater safety and far less certification risk.
Electra’s team includes some of the most respected and successful entrepreneurs and engineers in novel aircraft design, with over 40 prior aircraft successfully developed and/or certified. Lockheed Martin Ventures, Honeywell, and Safran are among Electra’s strategic investors along with Prysm Capital, Statkraft Ventures (Norway’s sovereign fund), the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), and other private investors. Electra’s contracted customers include NASA, the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Navy, along with over 2,200 letters of intent from 60+ commercial customers, including both airlines and helicopter operators.
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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.
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Electra’s next gen mission is to develop Ultra Short aircraft, built for Direct Aviation. We are redefining the next level of connectivity, pioneering direct aviation – without airports, emissions, or noise. Electra’s Ultra Short aircraft will revolutionize air travel by bringing it closer to where we live, work, and play, making new connections possible. This makes a new venture like Electra exciting and fast-paced. Headquartered in Northern Virginia, we’re on a quest to build a team of insanely talented people who want to do meaningful work.
Position Overview
Electra is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to manage engineering projects on our aircraft development programs, including the EL9 Ultra Short program. This role will manage all aspects of projects from initial concept through final delivery, ensuring technical excellence, adherence to schedule and budget requirements, and compliance with all company and regulatory standards. This is an incredible opportunity to directly impact an exciting, cutting-edge development program.
Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions:
- Develop the planning, execution, and completion of engineering projects on aircraft development programs, ensuring the project meets the technical, quality, safety, and programmatic requirements.
- Develop execution and problem-solving of complex engineering challenges.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams, suppliers, customers, leadership, and key stakeholders to ensure alignment and integration of all aspects of the project.
- Develop and review technical requirements and specifications for components, systems, and subsystems.
- Create and maintain detailed documentation for designs, testing, and modifications throughout the project lifecycle.
- Identify and implement process improvements in design, testing, or production to enhance efficiency and product quality.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks, ensuring potential issues are addressed proactively.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline with 5+ years of experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience)
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Strong project management skills with experience managing multi-discipline, cross-functional engineering projects.
- Experience in one or more aircraft engineering disciplines (including but not limited to propulsion, avionics, software, mechanical systems, structures, or systems engineering).
- Experience with engineering software and tools like NX, Teamcenter, Matlab, Jama, and Jira.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, team-oriented environment.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Desired Skills and Qualifications:
- Experience with safety-critical systems, risk analysis, and application of standards such as SAE ARP5754, ARP 4761, or DO-178C/DO-254.
- Familiarity with commercial aircraft certification processes and regulatory requirements (e.g., FAA, EASA).
- US Person (Citizen or Green Card) preferred.
Location:
- Headquarters in Manassas, VA. To encourage close collaboration, this position is strongly preferred to be on-site.
Travel: <25%
Salary: Electra’s salary range for this position is: $130,000.00 – 170,000.00
Our salary ranges reflect the minimum and maximum range for the Company level overall across all locations & projects and does not necessarily reflect the budgeted amount for this position. Individual pay is based on additional factors, including project budgets, job-related skills, experience, relevant education and/or training, role, level, location, and project.
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Electra.aero, a next-gen aerospace company devoted to sustainable urban & regional mobility, announced today that Dr. Robie I. Samanta Roy has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer. Robie joins Electra from Lockheed-Martin, where he served most recently as Vice President for Technology – Government Affairs.
“Electra is systematically putting in place a world-class leadership team as we work towards certification and production of our hybrid-electric aircraft for urban and regional mobility,” said John Langford, founder and CEO of Electra. “Robie’s background in the development and deployment of advanced technology, as well as his broad experience in the aerospace industry, will be invaluable to Electra’s continued growth.”
“I am excited to join John and his team. He is a well-regarded aerospace innovator and entrepreneur and Electra clearly is leading at the intersection of green aviation and advanced air mobility,” said Robie. “I look forward to leveraging my diverse set of experiences in government and in a large aerospace company to help Electra advance in the commercial and defense sectors.”
Robie was Vice President of Technology – Government Affairs at Lockheed Martin where he was responsible for supporting corporate engagements with the US Government science and technology community across the United States. Robie also served as Lockheed Martin’s Corporate Vice President for Technology Strategy and Innovation under the Chief Technology Officer where he developed and provided technical intelligence and strategy for the corporation, engaged the global S&T ecosystem outside the corporation, and fostered cross-enterprise innovation.
Prior to joining Lockheed Martin, Robie was a professional staff member with the Senate Armed Services Committee with the portfolio of the Department of Defense’s wide spectrum of science and technology-related activities including test and evaluation. He came to that position from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy where he was the Assistant Director for Space and Aeronautics and was responsible for space and aeronautics activities ranging from human space flight to the Next Generation Air Transportation System. Robie also served as a Strategic Analyst at the Congressional Budget Office and as a Research Staff Member in the Systems Evaluation Division of the Institute for Defense Analyses.
Dr. Samanta Roy earned his Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees in aeronautics and astronautics from MIT. He earned a master’s degree in space policy from George Washington University and diplomas from the International Space University and Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris.
Robie is a Fellow and a recent member of the Board of Trustees of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and a member of the National Research Council’s Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board. He is on the FAA’s Drone Advisory Committee and from 2015-2019 chaired the Industry Relations Committee of the International Astronautical Federation. He continues to serve in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.