AFWERX SBIR/STTR Program Advances Hybrid Powered Aircraft for Tactical Logistics

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – Aerospace firm Electra has developed a hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing (eSTOL) aircraft with support from AFWERX.

In June 2025, President Trump issued an executive order, “Unleashing American Drone Dominance,” to accelerate domestic drone production, secure U.S. airspace and position the nation as a leader in supersonic technology. Additionally,  The order also emphasized advanced air mobility by establishing a pilot program to test electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for cargo, defense logistics and related applications.

At the same time, the U.S. military is evaluating runway-independent aircraft capable of operating in austere and contested environments, including the Indo-Pacific. Hybrid-powered aircraft may support logistics, ship-to-shore transport, personnel recovery and other missions.

Since December 2020, Electra has received nine contracts from AFWERX. In 2023, AFWERX awarded the company a Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) of up to $85 million to develop a full-scale pre-production prototype eSTOL aircraft. The three-year contract – consisting of $30 million in Air Force SBIR and other funds as well as $55 million in private investment – supports flight testing that provides data for future military and commercial applications.

In September FY24, the Manassas, Virginia-based company successfully showcased its EL2 Goldfinch, a two-seater prototype, for AFWERX and other military stakeholders. The demonstrations at Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico and Felker Army Airfield at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, both in Virginia, highlighted the aircraft’s dual-use capabilities for logistics operations in austere environments. The flights included takeoffs and landings from grass fields, showcasing operations off-runway without the need for ground-support infrastructure. The pilot also displayed the aircraft’s low-altitude, low-speed maneuverability, further emphasizing its survivability in complex military scenarios.

This success story, which was first published in the AFWERX-SpaceWERX FY2024 Annual Report, has been updated since its initial release.

Electra is now developing the EL9, a nine-passenger aircraft. This version would be capable of carrying 1,000 lbs. over 1,000 nautical miles, and generating 600 kW of expeditionary power.

In December 2025, the company introduced Electra Defense, a business unit aimed at meeting defense mission needs with the EL9 aircraft. This aircraft can take off and land in spaces as short as 150 feet, enabling it to access helicopter-sized areas in austere or remote environments.

In September 2025, Electra participated in the at the Air Force Research Laboratory’’s Future Flag 25-3 exercise where it completed a series of government-directed tests, a milestone under its STRATFI contract with AFWERX and the Air Force. Additionally, in July,  the aerospace firm was awarded a research and development contract with the U.S. Army’s SBIR program to advance the research and development of hybrid-electric powertrain, power, and propulsion systems.

This year, Electra will continue fine tuning its EL9 for the commercial and defense markets and start flight testing in 2027. In addition to establishing its defense business, the company also has 2,200 provisional orders from more than 60 commercial customers worldwide. Providing support to the small businesses developing cutting-edge, dual-use technologies for the warfighter remains core to the AFWERX SBIR/STTR mission.

*Disclaimer: References to non-federal entities do not constitute or imply Department of War or Air Force endorsement of any company or organization.