Innovative Precision Control for Aircraft with Distributed Electric Propulsion

The STTR Phase I effort validated the need for enhanced precision control systems to enable the precise, repeatable, low-speed STOL landings necessary to operate in spaces no larger than a standard soccer field. Mission performance analysis and USAF stakeholder engagement has validated such operations as offering transformational capabilities with dramatically lower acoustic signatures, greater payload, longer ranges, and much lower operational costs compared to both current USAF rotorcraft assets and projected eVTOL alternatives. An STTR Phase II follow-on effort would significantly accelerate the development and technical maturation of the precision control system described above. This system would be demonstrated through a full-scale STOL technology demonstrator using hybrid distributed electric propulsion on a soccer field or similar landing area – or via a rigorous simulation as a backup if the flying demonstrator is unexpectedly unavailable. The Electra team members have extensive R&D, certification, and commercialization experience, having developed 80+ research vehicles and 6 production vehicles. Electra is already developing an eSTOL aircraft with an estimated commercial market of 8,000 - 14,000 aircraft in the next 15 years and the aircraft design will be readily adapted to Air Force and other government missions.