Fixed-Wing Aircraft Lands Where Only Helicopters Could

Electra flew its fixed-wing demonstrator into sites built and instrumented for rotorcraft, following vertical-flight-style approach procedures rather than the fixed-wing patterns those aircraft normally use. The company says the flights show a conventional-looking airplane can operate out of helicopter-only pads without needing runway infrastructure. It's a small but notable step toward fixed-wing aircraft reaching landing sites previously reserved for helicopters.

With reporting from Flying.