US Navy tests new electric STOL aircraft that's ready to land in hostile areas

The US Navy's new electric-powered STOL aircraft could be the future when it comes to getting personnel and equipment into previously hard-to-reach hostile areas.

Based on eSTOL technology – electric short take-off and landing – it uses eight electric motors to significantly increase wing lift, allowing it to take off and land in just a tenth of the space needed by conventional aircraft.

BFBS Forces News has taken a closer look at the Electra's eSTOL technology aircraft.

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It needs just 150ft to get airborne – either from land or a naval vessel – and can carry nine passengers or 2,500lbs (1,133kg) of cargo up to 500 miles.

Its hybrid design is currently undergoing experimental flights at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia.

The US Navy wants to pinpoint its potential as next-generation aviation transport in a contested environment.

What makes the aircraft even more special is that it does not just fly – it also doubles as a power source, similar to a generator, once on the ground.

In April, it was announced that the US Navy issued a contract to Electra to investigate the use of its eSTOL aircraft for logistics in contested environments.