WASHINGTON, December 5, 2024 — NASA Administrator Bill Nelson will be a passenger on Electra’s EL2 Goldfinch experimental aircraft on Sunday, December 8. Media are invited to a pre-flight briefing with Nelson and Electra representatives at 11:45 a.m. EST at Manassas Regional Airport in Manassas, Virginia.

The experimental aircraft, designed by Electra, aims to reduce emissions and noise, and expand regional air travel to new areas, including underserved communities.

Media can observe and film the flight, which will showcase ultra-short takeoffs and landings (requiring as little as 150 feet of runway) and a battery-only landing. Those wishing to attend should RSVP to Rob Margetta at .

NASA’s aeronautics research focuses on developing sustainable aviation technologies to provide new options for U.S. passengers and cargo. The agency’s research provides industry partners, such as Electra, with data to help design innovative, environmentally friendly aircraft with lower operational costs. NASA’s investments have included projects exploring electrified aircraft technologies and work refining electric short takeoff and landing concepts.

This collaboration with private aviation companies supports NASA’s commitment to sustainable solutions. In November, NASA chose Electra as one of five recipients of awards to develop design studies and explore key technologies for next-generation sustainable commercial aircraft. These studies will help identify and select promising aircraft concepts and technologies for further research.

 

SOURCE NASA