Lockheed Martin and Electra Enhance Partnership for EL9 Ultra-STOL Commercialization
On June 20th at the Paris Air Show, Manassas, Virginia-based Electra.aero, maker of the ultra-short takeoff and landing EL9 aircraft, and Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on potential opportunities. Lockheed will assist Electra in accelerating the development of the EL9 aircraft and finding customers for it, including the Department of Defense (DoD). Electra CEO Marc Allen stated, "This relationship will accelerate our speed to market to bring the EL9’s capabilities to our military customers."
Electra raised a $115 million Series B in March 2025, led by Prysm Capital, to advance the development of its nine-seater electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft known as the EL9. The nine-passenger EL9 helps commercial air operators connect underserved communities, access noise-restricted airports, explore new cargo services, and save travel time. The innovative plane has drawn military attention for its extremely quiet operation and its capability to land on small areas, such as helipads – critical for moving troops and supplies. Among its key features, Electra’s aircraft use blown lift technology and hybrid-electric propulsion to achieve takeoffs and landings in as little as 150 feet - about 10% of the footprint required for similarly-sized legacy airplanes.
The EL9 uses a turbogenerator that can operate on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), upcoming eFuels, or hydrogen. Its battery packs that power its motors can recharge both on the ground and in the air using the turbogenerator. Additionally, the aircraft can serve as a generator for electronic warfare and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, providing up to 600 kW of energy on the ground and even more power during flight.
In addition to its mobile power generation, the EL9’s operating costs are approximately 70% lower than those of helicopters and eVTOLs. Its fly-by-wire system allows for easier conversion to unmanned aerial vehicles. With a payload capacity of 1,000 pounds - about 2.5x that of comparable aircraft - and a range of up to 1,000 miles, the EL9 has the potential to enhance last mile logistics and emergency response capabilities, offering a versatile solution for both military and civilian applications.
The partnership with Lockheed Martin is expected to enhance Electra's go-to-market strategy with the military. Lockheed Martin has extensive ties within the DoD and will support Electra in various aspects, including digital engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, sustainment, and global business development. OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, stated that, "Electra has driven significant innovation in the hybrid-electric space, and we're excited to collaborate with them to accelerate their development.” Lockheed Martin Ventures has supported Electra since the company signed a strategic cooperation agreement to invest in its Series A funding round in 2022.
In January 2023, the Air Force awarded Electra an $85M Strategic Funding Partnership to develop its eSTOL technology. In addition to the U.S. Air Force, Electra's federal customers include NASA, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Navy. Electra has received 2200 pre-orders for the EL-9 from more than 50 commercial customers, such as airlines and helicopter operators, with a contract value exceeding $10 billion.
Related:
Electra Raises $115 Million to Pioneer the World's First Ultra Short Aircraft
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