Helicopter operator Bristow is linking up with Electra.aero to work together on Electra’s hybrid-electric short take-off and landing (eSTOL) aircraft. Electra expects to produce 50 aircraft for Bristow.
The two companies will collaborate on developing a full range of safety and operational features to ensure the new eSTOL aircraft’s final configuration, specifications and design features meet customer as well as FAA, EASA and Transport Canada certification and timeline requirements.
They will also explore new markets for Bristow operations using the Electra eSTOL aircraft, with a focus on ‘middle mile’ logistics for retail distribution, expanding Bristow’s service to their existing customer base and specialized passenger services.
Today, Bristow operates a fleet of approximately 240 helicopters for transport uses including oil and gas customers, search and rescue (SAR), and government and civil organisations.
Bristow president and CEO Chris Bradshaw said, “Just as Bristow pioneered the vertical transportation market some 70+ years ago, this sets the stage for early collaboration and development between Bristow and Electra for a new class of aircraft that will allow us to take advantage of the unique capabilities of electric and hybrid power generation technologies to substantially lower carbon emissions and operating costs.
“This will allow us to expand our expertise providing sustainable, innovative and efficient vertical lift and aerial transport solutions into new potential end markets like moving time-sensitive cargo and passengers regionally.”
John S Langford, founder and CEO of Electra.aero, added, “As our principal launch operational customer, Bristow will benefit from early access to Electra’s aircraft, which will deliver more than twice the payload, fly longer ranges, and have substantially lower operating costs than vertical take-off alternatives – with much less certification risk.”
The Electra eSTOL aircraft can operate from runways as small as 300 x 100 feet using a proprietary proven blown lift technology where eight engines provide additional wing lift, and hybrid-electric power that provides internal recharging capabilities for aircraft batteries, eliminating the need for new ground infrastructure.
The quieter and more environmentally friendly aircraft is currently being designed to transport up to 1,800 pounds of cargo or move 5 to 7 passengers about 400 to 500 miles.
Electra says its aircraft can operate in a variety of environments ranging from busy urban areas to remote landing strips, and fly missions ranging from on-demand intracity flights to medical missions, cargo transportation, scheduled passenger service, and more.
