ElectraFly, an aviation company focused on building, programming, and operating drones, including a personal mobility aircraft, today announced it won two Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants sponsored by the United States Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The grants focus on composite material innovations for drones and advanced air mobility aircraft that can benefit the Air Force and also be commercially developed.
The first grant includes ElectraFly fabrication pa
rtner Impossible Objects and testing through Weber State University’s composites lab. The second grant supports ElectraFly parts with project partner Hexcel and testing at Brigham Young University’s composites lab. Both proposals also include support from the Utah Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Initiative (UAMMI).
“We are fortunate to have some of the best and brightest around us when we look at these winning proposals and the work being done here in Utah,” said John Manning, ElectraFly co-founder and director of development. “This accelerates our vision of advanced mobility aircraft for the military and in future urban scenarios.”
“These wins position Utah as a leader in composites research for advanced mobility aircraft, which is the fastest-growing market in aviation,” said Dr. Tulinda Larsen, Executive Director, UAMMI.
Each winning grant is the first of a three-phase program. The objective of Phase 1 is to determine the scientific, technical, and commercial merit as well as the feasibility of the innovations. Phase 1 projects are to be completed over the next six months with the possibility of follow-on funding for Phase 2 and 3.
About ElectraFly
ElectraFly is an aviation company focused on building, programming, and operating drones and related technologies. It has been recognized for its work developing a hybrid-electric, personal flying vehicle. It has international patent-pending innovations to increase the lift capacity and flight times for vertical take-off and landing aircraft of any size. ElectraFly innovations aim to expand today’s use of unmanned aerial vehicles, which are often limited to only carry cameras or sensors. Founded in 2017, ElectraFly offers unique and scalable innovations for the future of urban air mobility—in personal transport and package delivery. For more information, visit electrafly.com.
About UAMMI
Founded in 2014, the Utah Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Initiative (UAMMI) brings together public, private, community, industry, and education partners to assure growth and sustainability of Utah’s advanced materials and manufacturing industry and maintain Utah’s leadership in this key global industry. www.UAMMI.org
About the Air Force Research Laboratory
The mission of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Small Business Office (AFRL/SB) is to increase the use of small businesses as a valued source of skills for innovative, cost-effective, customer-focused solutions to warfighter requirements and Air Force missions, both now and in the future. AFRL/SB encompasses the Air Force Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Program, the AFRL Small Business Programs and the Air Force Technology Transfer and Transition Program (T3).
