Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and Electra.aero have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the development and commercialization of Electra’s EL9 ultra-short takeoff and landing (Ultra-STOL) aircraft. The agreement, announced during the Paris Air Show, builds on their existing strategic partnership and aims to advance the EL9 program through Lockheed Martin’s expertise in digital engineering, manufacturing, global supply chains, sustainment, and defense engagement.
Under the MoU, the two companies will also evaluate potential integration of the EL9 into U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) programs and explore opportunities with international military customers.
The EL9 is designed for hybrid-electric operations and offers fixed-wing efficiency with helicopter-like flexibility. It can take off and land within just 150 feet on unprepared surfaces and carry up to 1,000 pounds over distances exceeding 1,000 miles. Potential applications include tactical logistics, disaster response, and mobile energy support in remote or austere environments.
“Lockheed Martin’s breadth of manufacturing, supply chain and military customer expertise is the perfect complement to Electra’s EL9 commercialization strategy,” said Marc Allen, CEO of Electra.
“Electra has driven significant innovation in the hybrid-electric space,” added OJ Sanchez, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. “We’re excited to collaborate with them to accelerate their development.”
Lockheed Martin first partnered with Electra in 2022 through an investment by Lockheed Martin Ventures during Electra’s Series A funding round. This latest agreement deepens their strategic relationship and reinforces the companies’ shared interest in advancing next-generation aviation technologies.