Only 46 meters were enough for the plane to take off from the helipad
The American company Electra launched an experimental aircraft from a helipad in the Manhattan area of New York and landed it back in the same place. Such aircraft, capable of taking off in a distance of just 46 meters, may in the future make it possible to launch direct flights directly from city centers.
Just 46 meters proved sufficient for the plane to take off from a helipad
The test flight was conducted at the Downtown Skyport helipad in Manhattan. According to Electra, this is the first instance of an aircraft without vertical takeoff capability performing a takeoff and landing at this facility.
The company's Ultra Short aircraft utilizes a hybrid-electric powertrain and blown wing technology. This method increases the lift of the wing even at low speeds. As a result, the aircraft can accelerate, take off, and land over a very short distance. The company estimates this distance to be approximately 46 meters.
Such a capability could increase the number of locations suitable for regional air transportation. Helipads, small airfields, and other compact facilities could become passenger arrival and departure points. This could eliminate the need to build new runways at great expense each time.
The test in Manhattan is part of the Direct Aviation concept advocated by Electra. Its goal is to bring flight points closer to where passengers live, work, or want to go. Through this, it is intended to reduce the time spent traveling to major airports and bypass congested roads.
According to company estimates, such a system could reduce total travel time on a trip from New York to Boston by nearly 3 hours and 45 minutes. Time savings of 3 hours and 30 minutes on the Washington route and 45 minutes on a trip to Philadelphia are expected.
These figures are projections calculated for future flights. They do not represent results measured directly during the demonstration flight in Manhattan.
Electra has previously tested its EL2 experimental aircraft in various locations. These include downtown Charleston, Bader Field airport in Atlantic City, and the Snowshoe mountain resort. Each test is aimed at showing how short takeoff and landing can open the way to sites not typically used by airplanes.
The company is also participating in a US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot program dedicated to the implementation of advanced air transportation systems. Within this framework, instrument flight rules procedures were demonstrated at the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport. These procedures are similar to the methods used in helicopter aviation.
According to Electra, more than 60 air carriers have expressed their intention to use such aircraft on regional routes within the Direct Aviation concept. The company's partners also include airport authorities, aviation service providers, and construction companies interested in establishing new air travel points in cities and residential areas.