Noemi Aerospace Expands Electric Seaplane Vision With Multi-Mission Strategy

Norwegian electric aircraft developer Noemi Aerospace has begun construction of its first full-scale prototype while outlining plans to expand its amphibious aircraft platform into firefighting, military, cargo, and skydiving operations.

The company, formerly known as Elfly Group, confirmed that assembly of the TAC-1 experimental prototype is now underway following a successful preliminary design review completed earlier this year.

According to co-founder and CTO Tomas Brødreskift, the aircraft will use commercially available motors, batteries, and inverters combined with an in-house gearbox and governor system. A ground test rig is also being assembled, with initial propeller testing expected before the end of the third quarter.

The baseline aircraft is designed as a fully electric flying boat carrying nine passengers and up to two pilots. Noemi says its hull design delivers a lift-to-drag ratio of 16, significantly reducing cruise power requirements and enabling an estimated range of around 200 kilometers on battery power alone.

The company also plans hybrid-electric and conventional variants. A hybrid model could extend range to roughly 600 kilometers, while a conventionally powered version could carry up to 14 passengers over distances of 2,000 kilometers.

Beyond regional transport, Noemi is exploring specialized configurations for firefighting, skydiving, search-and-rescue, cargo, medical evacuation, and military reconnaissance. A proposed firefighting version would carry approximately 2,700 kilograms of retardant, while a skydiving variant could transport up to 20 jumpers to 15,000 feet.

CEO Eric Lithun said around 70 operators have signed non-binding expressions of interest, including Nordic Seaplanes, Loch Lomond Seaplanes, VET Airways, and UrbanLink.

Noemi is targeting first flight of the TAC-1 in late 2027, with commercial service planned for 2030. The company estimates the full program will cost approximately $150 million and says about $20 million has already been raised, including funding from the Norwegian government.