Electra has been granted a series of US patents that protect core components of its hybrid-electric propulsion and flight control architecture, a system designed to enable ultra short takeoff and landing operations while maintaining conventional aircraft performance and safety margins. These patents cover critical elements necessary to deploy electric blown lift practically, advancing the company's protection of its nine-passenger EL9 ultra short aircraft.

Together, the patents safeguard the control logic, power management and pilot interface systems that define how Electra integrates electric propulsion into a practical, FAA-certifiable hybrid-electric platform. They cover systems and methods for controlling the flight path of a blown lift aircraft, pilot guidance display for that aircraft and a battery disconnect system that improves maintenance, performance and safety.

“Our patent portfolio protects our architecture and the ability to manage power, lift and energy safety in a scalable hybrid-electric configuration,” says Chris Courtin, director of technology development at Electra. “Where traditional aircraft rely on aerodynamic control surfaces, our distributed propulsion system makes the motors themselves an active flight control element. That improves precision, reduces workload and makes ultra short aircraft fly like any other fixed wing aircraft.”

The flight path control patent describes a closed-loop system that enables pilots to command the aircraft's flight path angle through a single integrated power control interface. Instead of manipulating multiple throttles or configuration switches, the pilot simply selects a mod, namely takeoff, cruise, descent or reverse, and the onboard computing system dynamically adjusts thrust across multiple electric propulsion units to maintain the desired flight path.

This architecture underpins Electra's blown-lift approach, in which distributed electric propulsors mounted along the wing accelerate airflow to dramatically increase lift at low speeds. The algorithms and lookup tables continuously optimise each propulsor's thrust by referencing real-time air data, aircraft attitude and configuration sensors. The result is finely tuned, power-based control of lift and attitude, which is key to achieving reliable ultra short performance without compromising efficiency at cruise.

Electra's approach solves the range and infrastructure limitations that have hindered fully electric aircraft. Its hybrid-electric architecture uses a turbogenerator to supply continuous power to distributed electric propulsors, enabling long-range, payload-capable operations without relying on ground charging infrastructure.

Electra's system architecture enables ultra short takeoffs and landings in under 150 feet, utilising existing runways, parking lots and soccer-sized fields. The combination of distributed electric propulsion and a hybrid-electric powertrain delivers helicopter-like performance with the safety, range and cost efficiency of a fixed-wing aircraft.

“These patents capture how we make electric propulsion not just feasible, but practical in the real world,” continues Courtin. “By simplifying control logic and embedding safety at the system level, we're enabling commercial hybrid-electric blown lift certification and deployment, on a proprietary basis.”

Electra's EL2 technology demonstrator aircraft has already completed successful flight testing using Electra's proprietary hybrid-electric propulsion system. Electra continues to refine the integrated control software and power management logic as it advances toward commercialisation of its flagship, nine-passenger EL9 ultra short aircraft.

With the EL9, Electra is pioneering 'direct aviation', a new model of regional air mobility that saves travellers time, maximises existing infrastructure and connects underserved communities. The first test flights are planned for 2027, with certification and commercial service entry anticipated in late 2029 into 2030 under FAA Part 23 regulations.

With over 2,200 pre-orders from more than 60 commercial customers worldwide, including both airlines and helicopter operators, the EL9 is already one of the most in-demand aircraft in the AAM sector.