Electra and The Atlas Group today announced an airframe agreement for the EL9 Ultra Short airplane, pairing Electra's aircraft design with Atlas's aerospace manufacturing expertise.
Electra is developing the EL9 Ultra Short, which is designed to carry nine passengers and a payload while taking off and landing in as little as 150 feet.
Under the agreement, Atlas will manufacture and assemble EL9 airframes for Electra's flight test and certification program. Work is scheduled to begin this month at Atlas' facilities, with first deliveries expected in 2027. The partnership marks a milestone on Electra's path to certification and commercial entry into service, drawing on Atlas's deep experience in aerospace manufacturing, complex aerostructures, production system development and automated manufacturing.
The two teams will work closely to mature the EL9 production architecture, reduce manufacturing risk, and build the industrial foundation needed to scale output after certification.
The Atlas agreement comes as Electra moves from demonstrating Ultra Short technology toward certification, production and commercialization of the EL9.
In July, the FAA formally established the EL9's certification basis, defining the framework for several industry firsts including distributed hybrid-electric propulsion, blown lift for ultra-short takeoff and landing, and advanced fly-by-wire flight controls. Electra has also entered a life-of-program development and production agreement with Safran for the TG600 turbogenerator that will power the EL9.
Electra has selected Springfield, Ohio, as the home of its first EL9 production facility. The planned $850 million investment will create nearly 2,000 jobs and is designed to ultimately support production of up to 800 aircraft annually.
The EL9 is targeting entry into commercial service in 2030.
