An experimental hybrid-electric aircraft capable of taking off and landing in the span of 150 feet made an unexpected stop at the Ocala International Airport last week after encountering storms along its flight path.
The vessel was an EL-2 Goldfinch, which is a prototype aircraft developed by Virginia-based aerospace company Electra.
Coincidentally, city officials say an aircraft bearing the Electra name served Ocala more than 50 years ago.
Unlike conventional airplanes that require thousands of feet of runway, Electra’s aircraft utilize distributed electric propulsion and an aerodynamic technique known as blown-lift.
By using an array of electric motors to blow accelerated air across the wings and large flaps, the aircraft is able to take off and land in as little as 150 feet…