Electra.aero has signed a memorandum of understanding to pursue a joint development agreement with Bristow Group, as well as delivering an expected volume of 50 aircraft. As part of the agreement the companies will cooperate on technical development and certification. Bristow will aid Electra in the marketing and future operations of its hybrid eSTOL aircraft.
The collaboration will focus on developing a range of safety and operational features to ensure the final configuration, specification and design features of the aircraft meet customer, FAA, EASA and Transport Canada certification requirements.
"The collaboration will lead to a more rigorous aircraft capable of addressing operators' needs across a variety of use cases and will help Electra develop and certify an eSTOL aircraft in as short a period of time as possible," says John S. Langford Electra Founder and CEO: "Bristow will benefit from early access to Electra's aircraft, which will deliver more than twice the payload, fly longer ranges, and have substantially lower operating costs than vertical take-off alternatives with much less certification risk. We expect to deliver 50 or more aircraft to Bristow to provide low-emission transport services in exciting new markets."
Electra's eSTOL aircraft operates from runways as small as 300 x 100 feet using a proprietary proven blown lift technology where eight engines provide additional wing lift and hybrid-electric power that provides internal recharging capabilities for aircraft batteries eliminating the need for new ground infrastructure. The quieter and environmentally friendly aircraft is currently being designed to transport up to 1,800 pounds of cargo or move five to seven passengers around 400 to 500 miles. It can operate in a variety of environments ranging from urban areas to remote landing strips, and fly missions ranging from on-demand flights to medical missions and cargo transportation.
"This MOU sets the stage for early collaboration and development between Bristow and Electra for a new class of aircraft that will allow us to take advantage of the unique capabilities of electric and hybrid power generation technologies to substantially lower carbon emissions and operating costs." concludes Chris Bradshaw Bristow President and CEO.
Contact details from our directory: | |
Electra.aero | Airframer |
Related aircraft programs: |
Electra.aero eSTOL |
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