Multiple government-directed tests evaluated how Ultra-STOL and hybrid-electric technologies can support America’s warfighters
MANASSAS, Va., Sept. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Electra.aero, Inc. (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.
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace forces. With a workforce spanning across nine technology areas and 40 other operations around the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.
About AFWERX
As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 320 military, civilian and contractor personnel at four hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has awarded over 10,400 contracts worth more than $7.24 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial
base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: afwerx.com.
About Electra
Electra.aero, Inc. (Electra) is an advanced aerospace company building hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft that achieve never-before performance advantages to fly people and cargo seamlessly without airports, emissions, or noise. With the 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. 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 aircraft under Letters of Intent from 50+ commercial customers, including both airlines and helicopter operators.
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SOURCE Electra.aero
