MEL Composites Supplies Carbon Fiber for ELA Eclipse REVO

Spanish materials supplier MEL Composites is providing advanced carbon fiber and core materials to ELA Aviación for the production of the Eclipse REVO, a new fully enclosed, two-seat autogyro capable of extremely short takeoffs.

According to a project case study released by MEL Composites, the partnerships supports the manufacturing of next-generation gyroplanes at ELA Aviación’s facility in Fuente Obejuna, Córdoba. The integration of lightweight composite structures allows the Rotax 916is-powered Eclipse REVO to achieve takeoff distances as short as 10 meters.

Material specifications and manufacturing

MEL Composites, headquartered in Vilassar de Mar, Barcelona, supplies a specific range of products for the aircraft’s construction. The materials include PVC foam cores, 3K and 6K carbon fabrics, stitched multiaxial carbon reinforcements, and vacuum consumables. These components are critical for reducing the overall weight of the airframe while maintaining structural integrity.

Eduardo Galofre, CEO of MEL Composites, stated that the company recently expanded its manufacturing capacity to provide more options for custom-shaped core material kits to meet growing aerospace demand.

“The aircraft manufactured by ELA demonstrate how carbon composite engineering can continue to improve aerospace performance, safety, and manufacturing efficiency, while offering exciting new mobility solutions for both the commercial and private aviation markets,” Galofre said.

ELA Aviación production milestones

ELA Aviación began experimental development of composite aircraft in the 1980s before officially transitioning to commercial manufacturing approximately 30 years ago. Since its founding, the manufacturer has delivered over 1,000 aircraft worldwide.

The Eclipse REVO represents the latest iteration of the company’s design philosophy. ELA Aviación describes the aircraft as the first fully enclosed, two-seater autogyro manufactured entirely from carbon composite. The lightweight fuselage, combined with the Rotax 916is engine, effectively eliminates the need for a traditional runway by enabling the 10-meter takeoff roll.

AirPro News analysis

We view the partnership between MEL Composites and ELA Aviación as indicative of a broader trend in the light sport and experimental aircraft sectors. As carbon composite materials become more accessible and manufacturing techniques mature, smaller original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can achieve performance metrics previously reserved for larger aerospace firms. The 10-meter takeoff capability of the Eclipse REVO positions it as a highly competitive option in the advanced air mobility space, particularly for operators requiring off-airport or short-field performance without the regulatory and mechanical complexity of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) systems.

Sources: MEL Composites