Electra tests instrument approaches with its EL2 electric prototype in Virginia

Electra has flown its fixed-wing EL2 prototype through instrument procedures of a kind normally restricted to helicopters, according to the company. The flights took place last month at more than one airport in Virginia, using newly developed routes and approaches.

A Virginia state airspace initiative backed the campaign, as did the Federal Aviation Administration's pilot programme for integrating eVTOL aircraft. Electra said the work added evidence for its design, which is meant to take off and land in very short distances.

The company called the trials significant beyond its own aircraft, saying they carry weight for the wider advanced air mobility field. It gave no further detail on the procedures flown or the airports involved.