Lockheed Martin Skunk Works has signed a memorandum of understanding with Electra.aero to explore opportunities for the U.S. startup's in-development EL9 ultra-short-takeoff-and-landing aircraft.
The agreement, to explore ways to accelerate development of the hybrid-electric EL9, was signed at the Paris Air Show on June 18 by Electra CEO Marc Allen and Lockheed Martin Skunk Works Vice President and General Manager OJ Sanchez.
Lockheed is already an investor in Manassas, Virginia-based Electra, having participated in the company's Series A funding round in early 2022 through its corporate venture capital arm. Skunk Works is also a partner in the Advanced Aircraft Concepts for Environmental Sustainability (AACES) 2050 study awarded to Electra by NASA in November 2024.
Lockheed will collaborate with Electra in areas including digital engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, sustainment and global business development. Additionally, Skunk Works and Electra will assess opportunities for potential programs of record with the U.S. Defense Department and international customers.
Using distributed hybrid-electric propulsion and blown lift, the nine-passenger EL9 is designed to take off and land in 150 ft. and from unimproved surfaces, with the ability to carry 1,000 lb. over 1,000 nm (1,150 mi.). Electra is aiming for first flight of the EL9 in 2027 and FAA certification and entry into service in 2029.
Electra is working on potential military applications of the EL9 under small-business contracts from the U.S. Air Force, Army and Marine Corps. Using its EL2 technology demonstrator, the company has conducted flight demonstrations for all three services of the aircraft's capability for logistics operations in austere environments.
Under NASA's AACES study, Electra is exploring the application of its distributed hybrid-electric propulsion technology to a future commercial aircraft. As a partner in the study, Skunk Works is looking at potential military applications for derivatives of the design.