SBIR-STTR Award

Robust controllability for distributed electric propulsion (DEP) enables a new design space for aircraft (ORBs). ORBs rely on DEP both to generate lift and provide vehicle attitude control, and are used for missions with minimal ground infrastructure. High control power is required to minimize touchdown uncertainty in gusty conditions, and controllability in degraded modes (e.g., motor failures) is important for safety and certifiability. This effects required vehicle thrust-to-weight ratio, and impacts mission performance in terms of payload, speed, and range. Phase I will focus on tool development, applicable to eVTOL and eSTOL concepts, as well as matching customer requirements for AF, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and other Govt. agencies. Electra has identified multiple commercial markets and dual-use opportunities for military and disaster response. Electra has quantified high value commercial markets in Air Cargo, Commuter, Regional, and Private Aviation. Electra is already conducting development of a commercial product and this proposal will benefit from synergy with that development in Phase I and later phases.

The STTR Phase I effort validated the need for enhanced precision control systems to enable the precise, repeatable, low-speed STOL landings necessary to operate in spaces no larger than a standard soccer field. Mission performance analysis and USAF stakeholder engagement has validated such operations as offering transformational capabilities with dramatically lower acoustic signatures, greater payload, longer ranges, and much lower operational costs compared to both current USAF rotorcraft assets and projected eVTOL alternatives. An STTR Phase II follow-on effort would significantly accelerate the development and technical maturation of the precision control system described above. This system would be demonstrated through a full-scale STOL technology demonstrator using hybrid distributed electric propulsion on a soccer field or similar landing area – or via a rigorous simulation as a backup if the flying demonstrator is unexpectedly unavailable. The Electra team members have extensive R&D, certification, and commercialization experience, having developed 80+ research vehicles and 6 production vehicles. Electra is already developing an eSTOL aircraft with an estimated commercial market of 8,000 - 14,000 aircraft in the next 15 years and the aircraft design will be readily adapted to Air Force and other government missions.