Defense & Military
Electra Completes Air Force Future Flag 25-3 Hybrid-Electric Test
Electra.aero successfully tests hybrid-electric Ultra-STOL aircraft in Air Force Future Flag 25-3, advancing military and commercial aviation.
Electra Completes Participation in Air Force Research Lab’s Future Flag 25-3 Test Event: A Comprehensive Analysis of Hybrid-Electric Aviation’s Military and Commercial Breakthrough
Electra.aero, Inc. has successfully completed its participation in the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Future Flag 25-3 test event, marking a significant milestone in the development of hybrid-electric ultra-short takeoff and landing (Ultra-STOL) aircraft technology for military applications. As the sole industry participant, Electra’s involvement in this government experimentation series underscores the growing importance of hybrid-electric solutions in both defense and commercial aviation. The Future Flag 25-3 event, held in Rome, New York, from late August to early September 2025, evaluated how Electra’s Ultra-STOL and hybrid-electric technologies can support American warfighters, providing practical insights for both current operations and future aircraft development.
This achievement is the result of years of development under a Strategic Funding Increase contract from the U.S. Air Force’s AFWERX innovation arm. It not only demonstrates the practical military utility of Electra’s EL2 Ultra-STOL prototype but also informs the ongoing development of their larger nine-passenger EL9 aircraft. With over 2,200 pre-orders valued at nearly $10 billion and significant Series B funding, Electra stands at the forefront of the rapidly expanding hybrid-electric aviation market, poised to revolutionize both military and commercial flight operations.
The successful completion of Future Flag 25-3 comes amid a period of strategic growth for Electra, including recent leadership changes and a robust business development pipeline. The company’s innovative Direct Aviation concept, which enables aircraft operations without traditional airport infrastructure, positions it as a key player in the future of advanced air mobility.
Background on Electra.aero and the Future Flag Program
Founded in 2020 by John Langford, Electra.aero is a pioneering force in hybrid-electric Ultra-STOL aircraft technology. Langford, who previously founded Aurora Flight Sciences (later acquired by Boeing), has steered Electra toward solutions that blend the operational flexibility of helicopters with the efficiency and payload-range of fixed-wing aircraft. Electra’s core mission is to provide safe, practical electric aircraft capable of taking off and landing in spaces as small as 150 feet, a fraction of what conventional airplanes require.
The company’s innovation hinges on its turbine hybrid-electric propulsion systems and blown-lift technology. Electra’s proprietary 150 kW turbogenerator system, developed in just twelve months, powers multiple electric motors that blow air over the wings and flaps, enabling ultra-short takeoff and landing distances. This engineering feat, combined with distributed electric propulsion, allows the aircraft to achieve takeoff speeds as low as 30 knots, opening up new operational possibilities.
The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Future Flag experimentation series is a cornerstone of the U.S. Air Force’s approach to accelerating innovation. The program brings together operational personnel, R&D teams, and industry partners to rapidly design, prototype, and test new capabilities. Supported by Congressional funding, Future Flag has already delivered enhancements to platforms like the MQ-9 Reaper and has become an early model for contractor-operated operational laboratories in the defense sector.
The Future Flag 25-3 Test Event: Scope and Collaboration
The Future Flag 25-3 event was designed to evaluate Electra’s hybrid-electric Ultra-STOL technology in realistic military scenarios. Air Force units, including the New York Air National Guard’s 174th Attack Wing, collaborated with Electra to conduct government-directed tests. These tests focused on the EL2 Ultra-STOL prototype, assessing its performance across multiple mission profiles and informing the development of the larger EL9 aircraft.
Operational scenarios included tactical airlift, medical transport, forward resupply, and ground-based power generation. The ability to provide ground-based power is particularly notable, as it allows the aircraft to serve as a mobile energy source in remote or austere environments. This versatility addresses critical needs for modern military operations, from rapid logistics to emergency response.
Joint operations with the New York and Connecticut Air National Guard wings provided valuable data and demonstrated the compatibility of Ultra-STOL technology with existing military aviation infrastructure. These collaborations highlighted the potential for Electra’s aircraft to augment current platforms and fill gaps in tactical airlift capabilities.
“The Future Flag event provided a prime opportunity to test and evaluate the practical and transformative capabilities developed with support from AFRL and AFWERX.” – Donn Yates, Electra Vice President of Government Programs
Electra’s Ultra-STOL Technology and Aircraft Development
At the heart of Electra’s innovation is the integration of blown-lift technology with hybrid-electric propulsion. The EL2 Goldfinch demonstrator, a two-seat, 3,000-pound aircraft, first flew in November 2023 and has since completed over 10 hours of flight testing. The aircraft has demonstrated landing distances as short as 150 feet and takeoff distances of 175 feet, with flight durations exceeding 1.5 hours and altitudes up to 6,500 feet. Notably, it achieved minimum flight speeds of 25 knots, showcasing its low-speed control and ultra-short field performance.
Electra’s hybrid powertrain addresses the energy density limitations of current lithium-ion batteries by combining electric propulsion with a turbine-powered generator. This approach enables longer range and higher payloads than purely electric systems, while still benefiting from reduced emissions and noise. The EL9 Ultra Short, Electra’s nine-passenger production aircraft, is designed to deliver up to 3,000 pounds of payload over 1,100 nautical miles, with in-flight battery recharging that eliminates the need for ground charging infrastructure.
The EL9 is targeted for FAA Part 23 certification and commercial entry into service by 2026 (with deliveries projected to begin in 2029). Its ability to operate from grass fields, parking lots, and repurposed heliports promises to make regional air mobility more accessible and affordable, expanding aviation’s reach to underserved communities.
“The aircraft achieved landing distances of 150 feet and takeoff distances of 175 feet, validating the ultra-short field capabilities that distinguish Electra’s design.”
Defense Applications and Military Partnerships
The military potential of Electra’s Ultra-STOL technology extends well beyond traditional airlift. The aircraft’s ability to operate from unimproved surfaces gives military operators new tactical flexibility, allowing for rapid insertion and extraction of personnel and supplies in challenging environments. Its low acoustic signature (described as 100 times quieter than helicopters) offers advantages for covert operations and missions requiring noise discipline.
Electra’s $85 million Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) contract from AFWERX is part of a broader effort to bridge the gap between prototype development and operational deployment. The STRATFI program connects innovators with defense stakeholders and investors, supporting the transition of promising technologies into the defense industrial base. Electra’s collaboration with Air National Guard units has validated the technology’s integration with established military operations and highlighted its potential for multi-role missions, including mobile power generation and casualty evacuation.
The versatility demonstrated during Future Flag 25-3 positions Ultra-STOL aircraft as adaptable platforms for a range of defense missions, from logistics and resupply to disaster response and medical transport. These capabilities align with the military’s need for flexible, resilient solutions in rapidly evolving operational environments.
Commercial Market Development and Industry Context
Electra’s commercial momentum is underscored by over 2,200 pre-orders for the EL9, valued at nearly $10 billion. This order book includes commitments from more than 50 commercial customers, reflecting broad recognition of the technology’s potential across regional passenger service, cargo, and specialized missions. The aircraft’s ability to operate in markets without traditional aviation infrastructure opens new opportunities for regional connectivity and economic development.
The hybrid-electric aircraft market is experiencing rapid growth, with global market size projected to expand from $2.2 billion in 2025 to $5.39 billion by 2029. Key drivers include rising fuel costs, stricter emissions regulations, and increasing demand for energy-efficient aviation solutions. North America currently leads the market, but Europe and the Asia Pacific are expected to see significant growth due to urbanization and government support for green aviation initiatives.
Electra’s $115 million Series B funding round, led by Prysm Capital, will support the transition from prototype development to pre-production and certification. The company plans to expand its workforce and select a manufacturing site by mid-2026, with Virginia among the leading candidates. Strategic investors include Lockheed Martin Ventures, Honeywell, Safran, and the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation, highlighting strong industry support.
“With more than 2,000 orders for the nine-seat hybrid electric aircraft from customers worldwide, we are poised to become a global industrial champion.” – John Langford, Electra Founder and Chairman
Leadership and Corporate Developments
Recent leadership changes have positioned Electra for its next phase of growth. In August 2025, Marc Allen, a former Boeing executive, was appointed CEO, succeeding founder John Langford, who remains Chairman. Allen brings extensive experience in aerospace strategy, finance, and advanced air mobility from his tenure at Boeing and Wisk Aero.
This transition reflects Electra’s evolution from a technology startup to a production-oriented enterprise focused on aircraft certification and delivery. The company is preparing to scale operations, expand its engineering team, and finalize plans for manufacturing and global market entry.
Allen’s leadership and Langford’s continued strategic guidance are expected to drive Electra’s expansion into new markets and solidify its position as a leader in hybrid-electric aviation.
Conclusion
Electra’s participation in the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Future Flag 25-3 test event marks a pivotal step in the advancement of hybrid-electric Ultra-STOL technology. The event validated the aircraft’s multi-mission capabilities, from tactical airlift and medical transport to power generation and forward resupply, demonstrating its versatility and operational value for both military and commercial applications. Collaboration with Air National Guard units provided real-world validation and paved the way for broader military integration.
With substantial pre-orders, robust funding, and experienced leadership, Electra is poised to lead the next wave of innovation in advanced air mobility. The company’s technology not only addresses immediate operational needs but also aligns with industry trends toward sustainability, efficiency, and expanded regional connectivity. As battery and propulsion technologies continue to evolve, Electra’s hybrid-electric approach offers a scalable, practical pathway to the future of aviation.
FAQ
What is Electra’s Ultra-STOL technology?
Electra’s Ultra-STOL (ultra-short takeoff and landing) technology combines blown-lift aerodynamics with hybrid-electric propulsion, allowing aircraft to take off and land in spaces as small as 150 feet.
What was the purpose of the Future Flag 25-3 test event?
The event evaluated Electra’s hybrid-electric Ultra-STOL aircraft in realistic military scenarios, assessing its performance in tactical airlift, medical transport, power generation, and resupply missions.
How does Electra’s aircraft benefit military operations?
The aircraft’s ability to operate from unimproved surfaces and its low noise signature provide tactical flexibility, enabling rapid deployment and covert operations in challenging environments.
When will Electra’s EL9 aircraft enter commercial service?
Electra targets FAA Part 23 certification and aims for commercial entry into service by 2026, with aircraft deliveries projected to begin in 2029.
What is the commercial potential of Electra’s technology?
With over 2,200 pre-orders valued at nearly $10 billion, Electra’s Ultra-STOL aircraft are positioned to revolutionize regional air mobility, offering lower operating costs and greater accessibility than conventional aircraft.
Sources:
PR Newswire,
Electra Aero
Photo Credit: Electra Aero
Defense & Military
BAE Systems Unveils Brontanax UK Autonomous Combat Aircraft
BAE Systems and the UK MoD unveiled Brontanax, the UK’s first uncrewed CCA, at Farnborough 2026.
BAE Systems and the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MoD) unveiled Brontanax, the nation’s first uncrewed autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), at the Farnborough International Airshow on July 22, 2026. The five-metric-ton aircraft is designed to operate alongside crewed fighter jets, providing electronic warfare and precision strike capabilities to the fleet.
According to a BAE Systems press release, the platform serves as the manufacturers offering for the UK government’s £300 million Storm Fighter program. The initiative aims to establish the Royal Air Force (RAF) as Europe’s first sixth-generation air force by integrating uncrewed systems with existing crewed fighters like the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.
The Storm Fighter program and development timeline
Development of the Brontanax platform began internally at BAE Systems in 2022. The manufacturer has invested approximately £300 million to date to fund the project. The UK government formalized its financial backing on July 1, 2026, through its Defence Investment Plan, committing an initial £300 million to the sovereign autonomous combat air initiative.
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted the strategic importance of the platform during the unveiling event at Farnborough, noting the government’s intent to adopt the aircraft as an operational concept demonstrator.
“The unveiling of Brontanax, the UK’s first uncrewed autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft, is a testament to the extraordinary talent and innovation across our sovereign defence industry. Built at BAE Systems in Warton by British engineers, backed by British businesses large and small, this aircraft demonstrates that the UK has the skills, the technology and the determination to lead the world in combat air power.”
The prototype is scheduled for its first power-up in the third quarter of 2026. Ground trials are slated to begin in the first half of 2027, followed by flight trials in UK airspace in the second half of the year. The RAF plans to bring the aircraft into service before 2030.
Industrial footprint and supply chain realities
The Brontanax program currently involves more than 500 BAE Systems employees and engages over 75 UK companies and small-to-medium enterprises. The aircraft was designed and built at the BAE Systems facility in Warton, Lancashire.
While marketed as a sovereign British aircraft, the initial iterations of the drone utilize a US-made Williams International engine. BAE Systems and the RAF intend to transition to a British powerplant developed by Rolls-Royce for future production models.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff, stated that the RAF is working closely with the manufacturer to meet the aggressive development schedule, confirming that a prototype is expected to fly next year.
AirPro News analysis
The unveiling of Brontanax signals the United Kingdom’s formal entry into the highly competitive CCA market. We are seeing a global surge in the development of these uncrewed systems, with aerospace manufacturers including Airbus, Boeing, Anduril, and General Atomics competing for contracts across multiple allied nations.
The primary driver behind this shift is combat mass. Traditional crewed fighters are highly capable but expensive to procure and operate. A large CCA is estimated to cost approximately 25 percent of a traditional crewed fighter. By pairing uncrewed systems with crewed jets, air forces can significantly expand their tactical footprint, sensor networks, and weapons capacity without a proportional increase in procurement budgets or pilot training requirements. The transition from the Williams International engine to a Rolls-Royce powerplant will be a critical milestone to watch as the UK attempts to secure a fully sovereign supply-chain for the Storm Fighter program.
Sources: BAE Systems Press Release
Photo Credit: BAE Systems
Defense & Military
GE Aerospace and Shield AI Complete X-BAT Engine Test
GE Aerospace and Shield AI complete AVEN thrust-vectoring nozzle testing on the F110-GE-129E, keeping X-BAT on track for late 2026 first flight.
GE Aerospace and Shield AI have successfully completed integration, actuation, and engine light-off testing of a multi-axis thrust-vectoring nozzle on an F110-GE-129E engine, clearing a major propulsion hurdle for the X-BAT vertical take-off and landing combat aircraft.
Announced in a July 20, 2026, press release, the testing took place at GE Aerospace’s operations site in Peebles, Ohio. The campaign represents the first fully integrated test of the Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN) hardware and control systems since its original development in the 1990s. The successful light-off keeps the X-BAT program on schedule for a planned first flight in late 2026.
Resurrecting thrust vectoring for vertical flight
The AVEN system pivots engine exhaust in three dimensions, providing the precise directional control required for the aircraft to balance on its tailpipe during vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) maneuvers. Originally designed in the 1990s, the AVEN program accumulated 73 hours of ground testing and 135 flight hours across 95 flights on an experimental F-16 before being shelved.
Shield AI and GE Aerospace are now adapting that legacy hardware to meet the demands of modern autonomous flight. The integration requires the nozzle to execute rapid, coordinated movement sequences driven by Shield AI’s flight control software.
“The AVEN is what makes vertical flight possible on a platform this size and this capable. We’re applying it differently than it was ever used before. Vertical flight requires fast gimbaling to maintain attitude control, a demand the original program never had to meet,” said Armor Harris, Senior Vice President of Aircraft Engineering at Shield AI.
Harris noted that utilizing hardware with a proven track record allowed the engineering teams to bypass the initial stages of clean-sheet development. The next phase of the program will focus on iterating the propulsion approach to reduce weight and increase speed for future variants.
Scaling the X-BAT for contested environments
Shield AI unveiled the X-BAT in Washington, D.C., on October 21, 2025. The aircraft is designed as a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) capable of operating independently or as a drone wingman in contested airspace. By November 5, 2025, Shield AI and GE Aerospace had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the platform’s propulsion, selecting the F110-GE-129 engine paired with the AVEN system.
The aircraft relies on Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software to conduct missions without traditional runway infrastructure. According to reporting by Tectonic Defense, the X-BAT measures 26 feet in length and features a 39-foot wingspan. Naval News estimates the platform will achieve a range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles and an operational ceiling of 50,000 feet, positioning it for both austere land bases and potential naval integration.
Amy Gowder, President and CEO of Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace, stated that pairing the company’s propulsion scaling experience with Shield AI’s vehicle development allows the program to move rapidly from concept to fielded capability.
AirPro News analysis
We view the successful light-off of the AVEN-equipped F110 as a validation of Shield AI’s strategy to integrate mature subsystems rather than developing bespoke hardware. The GE Aerospace F110 engine family has accumulated 11 million flight hours. By pairing a highly reliable, mass-produced core engine with a previously flight-tested 3D vectoring nozzle, the X-BAT program significantly reduces its technical risk profile.
The primary challenge moving forward will be software integration. While the AVEN hardware is proven, the 1990s-era actuators were not designed for the continuous, high-frequency gimbaling required to stabilize a tail-sitting VTOL aircraft in turbulent conditions. Shield AI’s Hivemind system will need to manage these actuation limits carefully to prevent mechanical fatigue while maintaining attitude control during the critical transition between vertical and forward flight.
Sources: GE Aerospace
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
Defense & Military
Pratt Whitney Completes 3D-Printed TJ150 Turbojet Demo Test
Pratt & Whitney validates additive manufacturing for the TJ150, consolidating 50+ hot section parts into 3D-printed components.
Pratt & Whitney has successfully completed demonstration testing of an additively manufactured TJ150 turbojet engine, a process that consolidated more than 50 individual hot section components into a small number of 3D-printed parts.
The RTX Corporation subsidiary announced the milestone on July 20, 2026, during the Farnborough International Airshow in London. The test results validate the manufacturer’s strategy to use additive manufacturing to simplify design and accelerate production for expendable military propulsion systems.
Consolidating hot section components
According to the press release, nearly 60 percent of the TJ150 engine’s volume was produced using additive manufacturing. This volume includes major static and rotating hardware. By utilizing 3D printing technologies, engineers reduced the complexity of the engine’s hot section and replaced over 50 traditional parts with a handful of consolidated components.
The TJ150 is a 150-pound thrust class turbojet designed for single-use applications.
“For expendable engines like the TJ150, where missions can last minutes or hours, simplifying the design and scaling production quickly is essential to meeting rising demand,” said Jill Albertelli, President of Military Engines at Pratt & Whitney.
Integration with cruise missiles and decoys
The successful demonstration of the 3D-printed TJ150 follows recent contract awards and integration announcements for the engine platform. On March 10, 2026, Pratt & Whitney secured a follow-on contract from Leidos Dynetics to supply TJ150 engines for the AGM-190A small cruise missile.
In a separate announcement on July 15, 2026, Raytheon confirmed plans to prioritize the TJ150 engine for the initial production of the Miniature Air-Launched Decoy (MALD). Raytheon noted that utilizing the existing engine platform keeps restart timelines short while the company explores additively manufactured engines for longer-term opportunities.
Expanding additive manufacturing applications
Pratt & Whitney plans to apply the manufacturing techniques validated during the TJ150 demonstration to other propulsion programs. Albertelli stated that additive manufacturing helps the company move designs from concept to capability faster. She confirmed that the manufacturer is leveraging the TJ150 learnings to benefit other systems, including the Pratt & Whitney Valox engine family.
AirPro News analysis
The successful test of a heavily 3D-printed TJ150 highlights a critical shift in defense aerospace manufacturing. As military operators demand higher volumes of autonomous systems, decoys, and tactical missiles, traditional supply chains for small turbine engines face significant bottlenecks. Casting and machining conventional hot-section components requires extensive tooling and long lead times. By consolidating dozens of parts into a few additively manufactured pieces, we see manufacturers directly addressing the need for rapid scalability.
Expendable engines operate for very short durations, meaning they do not require the same long-term durability as commercial or manned military turbofans. This specific operational profile makes them ideal candidates for additive manufacturing, allowing producers to prioritize production speed and cost reduction over thousands of hours of time-on-wing reliability.
Photo Credit: RTX
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