Results for: beta
BETA opens electric aircraft production site in Vermont
BETA Technologies has just opened its large-scale electric aircraft manufacturing facility near Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport in Vermont. The site is planned to produce up to 300 aircraft per year by 2027. The 188,500-square-foot electric aircraft factory is expected to create hundreds of jobs, as BETA ramps up to full production rate in the cargo, medical, defense and passenger...

BETA opens electric aircraft production site in Vermont

BETA Technologies has just opened its large-scale electric aircraft manufacturing facility near Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport in Vermont. The site is planned to produce up to 300 aircraft per year by 2027.

The 188,500-square-foot electric aircraft factory is expected to create hundreds of jobs, as BETA ramps up to full production rate in the cargo, medical, defense and passenger industries. One of the company’s earliest customers was UPS, which ordered 10 of the Alia aircraft in 2021 and reserved the right to order another 140.
Related:
- UPS and BETA Technologies to test UAE electric flight deliveries
- Joby to Build eVTOL Manufacturing Facility in Dayton, Ohio
Not only will the site churn out sustainable battery-powered aircraft, but the facility itself is constructed with a green, carbon-neutral design at the forefront. Built with 260 geothermal wells to provide energy for temperature control, along with nearly three acres of roof-mounted solar panels, the campus is claimed to achieve net-zero emissions. At the opening ceremony, Sen. Bernie Sanders touted BETA’s ability to foster a culture that focuses on combating climate change.
To date, Beta said it has flown more than 500 full-scale, piloted flights on Beta-built battery systems and conducted more than 10,000 hours of testing on electric motors produced on its pilot production lines.
Meanwhile, BETA also just announced appointment of Solvay as a primary composite material supplier; in addition to lightweight structures, Solvay will also provide qualification support and advanced materials for the production of BETA’s ALIA CTOL, electric fixed-wing aircraft, and ALIA VTOL, electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
Solvay and BETA are collaborating to select and qualify a tailored suite of materials from Solvay’s broad portfolio to meet the rigorous performance and rate demands of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) market. Composites and specialty polymers will be used for primary and secondary structures, as well as non-structural parts, combining multifunctional integration with high strength and low weight, as well as electromagnetic interference and lightning protection.
Why it’s important: The opening of a full-scale manufacturing facility signals the reality of electric aircraft and advanced air mobility, as well as the funding that is behind many of the OEMs such as BETA. Multiple companies, including Joby Aviation, are turning a corner in their aircraft development with announcements of production sites capable of large volumes.
Photos are credited to Burlington Free Press.
BETA Technologies to install first electric aircraft charger at Eglin Air Force Base
The United States Department of Defense (DoD) has entered into an expansive partnership with BETA Technologies to install the first ever electric aircraft charging station at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. Initiated in 2020, this partnership has been instrumental in expediting the adoption of electric aviation within both the United States military and the broader commercial aviation sector. An...

BETA Technologies to install first electric aircraft charger at Eglin Air Force Base

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) has entered into an expansive partnership with BETA Technologies to install the first ever electric aircraft charging station at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.

Initiated in 2020, this partnership has been instrumental in expediting the adoption of electric aviation within both the United States military and the broader commercial aviation sector. An illustrious milestone in this journey saw BETA Technologies being recognized as the foremost electric aircraft developer to secure an airworthiness certificate for manned flight from the military. Furthermore, they have conducted the sole piloted qualitative evaluation flights, featuring esteemed test pilots from the United States Air Force and Army.
This partnership, dedicated to evaluating the feasible mission capabilities and broad applicability of BETA’s electric aircraft and chargers, is set to persist with the forthcoming introduction of BETA’s ALIA aircraft to Eglin Air Force Base this autumn. Notably, BETA’s versatile and intermodal electric charger has demonstrated the remarkable capacity to recharge an electric aircraft in under an hour.
BETA originally was in pursuit of developing its eVTOL aircraft version, but recently decided to also certify a CTOL version, Alia, which will be delivered to Elgin Air Force Base. Meanwhile other eVTOL companies including Joby and Archer have also committed to delivering their respective air taxis to other Air Force bases near the end of 2023 or early 2024.
Related:
- UPS and BETA Technologies to test UAE electric flight deliveries
- Beta Technologies to Enhance Focus on Electric Aircraft Certification
Bearing conformity to the established standards jointly agreed upon by a substantial segment of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry, as delineated in the recent ‘Interoperability of Electric Charging Infrastructure’ whitepaper by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), BETA’s chargers exhibit the versatility to support an array of electric aircraft while also accommodating ground electric vehicles.

“The DoD, and specifically AFWERX’s Agility Prime team, have been invaluable partners to us for the past several years, offering deep insights that have helped us continue to progress our technology,” said Beta founder and CEO Kyle Clark. “The installation of this charger is an enabling step as the DOD looks to transition to a more sustainable fleet. We look forward to using it to charge our aircraft later this year during planned on-base experimentation with the Air Force at Duke Airfield.”
“Charging station installation is a critical step to unleash test and experimentation with the DoD to leverage emerging electric aviation technology as a capability for the warfighter,” said Maj Anthony Zartman, Agility Prime’s program manager and team lead. “Two charging test sites will be set up by the end of the calendar year, marking the first multimodal charging capabilities for the Air Force. Further, the charging stations will provide an opportunity to explore the utility of electric vehicle fleet modernization as well as base and flight line support equipment to improve energy use and reduce emissions.”
Why it’s important: This pioneering Level 3 DC fast-charging facility is poised to provide essential support for on-site electric vehicle experimentation, signifying the latest advancement in the enduring collaboration between BETA Technologies and the DoD through its esteemed AFWERX Agility Prime Program.
LIFT Aircraft Announces Beta Program for Investor Flight Trials
LIFT Aircraft announced Monday the advent of their Beta program, which will allow investors that contribute $5,000 or more via StartEngine to have early access to flight training for HEXA flights at their Austin, Texas headquarters. The company shared that they’re able to make this step forward now that they’ve completed testing of their beginner customer flight envelope in partnership...

LIFT Aircraft Announces Beta Program for Investor Flight Trials


LIFT Aircraft announced Monday the advent of their Beta program, which will allow investors that contribute $5,000 or more via StartEngine to have early access to flight training for HEXA flights at their Austin, Texas headquarters.
The company shared that they’re able to make this step forward now that they’ve completed testing of their beginner customer flight envelope in partnership with the US Air Force, and received approval from our Safety Advisory Board. LIFT has stated that this is the last step prior to their full public launch and US Tour.
LIFT has raised $18M in funding from VC’s, accredited investors, and US government grants, including over $5M from crowd sourced investing. Over 2,500 people have reportedly contributed.

In other recent news, LIFT completed the first-ever piloted eVTOL demonstration flights in Japan with the HEXA aircraft. The flights were conducted in partnership with Marubeni Corporation, with whom the Austin, Texas based company is partnering to develop and advance the eVTOL market in Japan, and with participation from GMO Internet Group.
LIFT has formally concluded Phase 1 flight test and beginner flight envelope development with the U.S. Air Force and has launched Alpha Flights, allowing people outside of their Flight Operations and Test teams to fly.
Related:
- LIFT Signs Letter of Intent For Usage in Manhattan, Charm Pre-Orders 100 HEXA PAV’s
- LIFT’s HEXA to Advance to Phase 3 Contract with USAF
- LIFT Aircraft and Parallel Flight Technologies Announce Hybrid Propulsion Partnership
Why it’s important: LIFT’s announcement would allow the public to visit LIFT’s flight test center in Austin and fly the HEXA prototype themselves for $5,000. LIFT has maintained a goal of making flying accessible to the general public and is backing up their intent by offering flight tests for a small fraction of the price of purchasing a HEXA. Additionally, these trial flight tests will offer more visibility to LIFT’s technology and enable the public to have increased visibility of the future of aerial mobility technologies.
To invest in LIFT, view the company’s StartEngine page here.
UPS and BETA Technologies to test UAE electric flight deliveries
The United Arab Emirates has just granted the United Parcel Service (UPS) a license to test new cargo aircraft provided by the eVTOL manufacturer BETA. BETA recently announced its intentions to Focus on Electric Aircraft Certification, an effort which relies on prioritizing the development of its electric conventional takeoff and landing aircraft (eCTOL). When UPS starts deploying and testing BETA’s...

UPS and BETA Technologies to test UAE electric flight deliveries

The United Arab Emirates has just granted the United Parcel Service (UPS) a license to test new cargo aircraft provided by the eVTOL manufacturer BETA.
BETA recently announced its intentions to Focus on Electric Aircraft Certification, an effort which relies on prioritizing the development of its electric conventional takeoff and landing aircraft (eCTOL). When UPS starts deploying and testing BETA’s vehicles in the UAE, it will use the CTOL model, called the CX300, before introducing the Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft.

“We’re accelerating our journey to decarbonize the future of flight and these aircraft will help us get there,” said Laura Lane, UPS EVP & Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer. “As a company, we’ve made a commitment to 100% carbon neutrality by 2050. And we’ve set clear goals to get there such as sourcing 30% of aviation fuel from sustainable sources by 2035.”
The two partners are employing the CX300 and Alia 250’s groundbreaking whisper-quiet capability to take off and land directly on UPS property. eVTOLs are an ideal solution for:
- Moving smaller package loads
- Reducing aircraft emissions
- Cutting time-in-transit
- Saving on operating costs
“These incredible aircraft serve as a foundation for future solutions to reduce emissions in our air and ground operations,” said Bala Subramanian, UPS EVP & Chief Digital and Technology Officer. “With the support from the UAE government, we’re excited to focus on innovations that meet the needs of our business, our customers and the environment.”
The license was signed by H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority, Bala Subramanian, and Blain Newton, Chief Operating Officer at BETA, and is part of the UAE government’s vision for 2023 as the ‘Year of Sustainability.’
UPS has a longstanding reputation for pursuing electric vehicles solutions for its logistics services. In 2021, UPS Flight Forward announced plans to purchase eVTOL aircraft to augment our air service, but UPS has been investing in, researching and driving electric vehicles since the 1930s.
Why it’s important: UPS is committed to the electrification of its fleet and has already deployed EV solutions throughout North America, Europe and Asia. This license will further its global reach of carbon footprint minimization as UPS 40% alternative fuel in ground operations by 2025.
Beta Technologies to Enhance Focus on Electric Aircraft Certification
Beta Technologies announced recently that they will enhance their focus on the development and certification of a conventional configuration electric aircraft. Beta is labeling the configuration as an eCTOL aircraft (electric conventional takeoff/landing). The company has been flight testing a conventional fixed-wing version of its eVTOL prototype, which will now become the company’s certification candidate. The aircraft, called CX300, will...

Beta Technologies to Enhance Focus on Electric Aircraft Certification

Beta Technologies announced recently that they will enhance their focus on the development and certification of a conventional configuration electric aircraft. Beta is labeling the configuration as an eCTOL aircraft (electric conventional takeoff/landing).

The company has been flight testing a conventional fixed-wing version of its eVTOL prototype, which will now become the company’s certification candidate. The aircraft, called CX300, will generate lift from its wings rather than lifting propellers and has already generated orders from the cargo, medical, and defense sectors.
“We continue to progress our ALIA eVTOL design through certification, in harmony with the eCTOL program,” BETA Technologies Founder and CEO Kyle Clark said. “The two aircraft are common in their design, allowing us to economize validation of our high-performance solutions. With the eCTOL aircraft launch, we have further de-risked our path to commercialization and concurrently provide lower cost, more utility, and optionality to operators. This has given us the confidence to industrialize and invest heavily in production at scale over the last year.”
Beta intends to have the CX300 fully certified and ready for delivery by 2025. The company will continue development and certification efforts of its ALIA-250 eVTOL which will be closely based on the design of the CX300.
The company states that manufacturing will begin at the new South Burlington production facility this summer.
Why it matters: Amid regulatory churn and uncertainty over the future market demand and infrastructure required to support the eVTOL space, manufacturers like Beta are taking a middle ground on the innovation curve. By maintaining a conventional fixed wing configuration, operators can take fully advantage of the cost savings from the implantation of an electric aircraft for commercialization, while developers still pursue eVTOL models simultaneously. With planned certification only two years away, Beta has provided itself with a new road to market entry.
Source // Beta Technologies
Related:
BETA and Blade complete first piloted eVTOL flight in New York area
Blade Air Mobility, a technology-powered air mobility platform, and BETA Technologies, an electric aerospace company developing electric vertical aircraft and supporting charging infrastructure, just announced the successful completion of a historic test flight of BETA’s ALIA-250 EVA at the Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York. The flight marks the first test of a piloted eVTOL in the greater...

BETA and Blade complete first piloted eVTOL flight in New York area

Blade Air Mobility, a technology-powered air mobility platform, and BETA Technologies, an electric aerospace company developing electric vertical aircraft and supporting charging infrastructure, just announced the successful completion of a historic test flight of BETA’s ALIA-250 EVA at the Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York.

The flight marks the first test of a piloted eVTOL in the greater New York City area and is a significant milestone in the companies’ continued partnership to bring safe, quiet, and sustainable air transportation to commuter and commercial customers.
“This is a historic moment for Blade, New York and the urban air mobility industry,” said Rob Wiesenthal, Chief Executive Officer of Blade. “This demonstration is a big milestone in our transition from helicopters to electric vertical aircraft, and we are pleased that our partners at BETA have designed the right aircraft with the requisite range, capacity, and noise profile, for use in our key markets, including our homebase of New York City. We are confident EVAs will be a game-changer both for our company and New York City’s transportation system once certified by the FAA.”
“Blade is flying passengers in key urban markets all over the world, and this flight is another step toward delivering our electric aircraft to support those operations,” said Kyle Clark, BETA’s Founder and CEO. “We continue to progress our aircraft, flying real-life missions and gaining proficiency in the national airspace. We were glad to be able to fly here from our flight test facility in Plattsburgh to work with Blade to operationalize our partnership.”
The ALIA-250 aircraft is powered by an all-electric propulsion system with vertical takeoff and landing capability and a noise profile that is 1/10th the sound decibel level of conventional helicopters, making it ideal for use in urban areas. The aircraft can fly up to six people and features a sleek and modern design with a range of features to ensure the highest levels of safety and comfort.
During the recent flight, the ALIA-250 flew alongside a conventional helicopter before pulling away for a second pass above the airport to highlight the dramatic noise reduction.
In April 2021, Blade announced an agreement to facilitate the purchase of up to 20 of BETA’s first passenger-configured ALIA-250 aircraft by its network of operators. Blade intends to deploy these initial aircraft on routes between its network of dedicated terminals in the US. BETA has also agreed to provide and install charging infrastructure at certain key locations.
Related:
- BLADE Announces Deal for Operator’s Order of up to 20 BETA EVA’s
- Redbird Capital Increases Ownership to 5% Stake in Blade Aerial Mobility
- BETA Technologies’ Alia Completes 1,400-mile Journey
Over the past three years, BETA has demonstrated reliably strong performance with its two full-scale prototype aircraft, accomplishing significant milestones toward certification and commercialization. BETA also had test pilots from the U.S. Air Force and Army pilot the ALIA-250 in full-pattern evaluations in March 2022 and July 2022, respectively, marking the branches’ first-ever flight of an electric vertical aircraft and the industry’s first manned qualitative evaluations. BETA has also partnered with the FAA and the National Institute for Aviation Research to conduct the first-ever 50-foot drop tests of its full-scale battery packs, successfully completing the test and advancing the industry’s path to safety standards and certification.
Why it’s important: This latest flight demonstration is an important step in the partnership between the Blade and Beta Technologies to enable the rapid introduction of electric vertical aircraft into Blade’s New York City and Short Distance businesses. Blade’s planned replacement of helicopters with eVTOL aircraft will drastically improve the safety and convenience of urban and regional transit in the greater New York area while also noticeably dampening overhead noise.
Source // Blade press release
Beta Technologies’ Alia Completes 1,400-mile Journey
On Monday, May 30th, Beta Technologies’ all-electric Alia aircraft completed a 1,400-mile journey from Plattsburgh International Airport in eastern New York to Bentonville, Arkansas, making only seven charging stops along the way. The full 1,400 mile journey of the Alia, which is an all-electric, VTOL aircraft capable of carrying four passengers plus a pilot, took place over seven days. Each...

Beta Technologies’ Alia Completes 1,400-mile Journey

On Monday, May 30th, Beta Technologies’ all-electric Alia aircraft completed a 1,400-mile journey from Plattsburgh International Airport in eastern New York to Bentonville, Arkansas, making only seven charging stops along the way.
The full 1,400 mile journey of the Alia, which is an all-electric, VTOL aircraft capable of carrying four passengers plus a pilot, took place over seven days. Each approximate 200-mile leg of the journey was completed per day, with the aircraft using fixed wing mode to take-off and land. According to Beta’s CEO Kyle Clark, this journey was meant to prove that that the Alia can be used for more than just local flights, with the ability to repeatedly complete regional flights between major cities as well.
With regard to this series of flights, CEO Kyle Clark said, “I think that with this type of flight, at a very high level, we change the image of what electric aviation is. It’s not an aircraft that’s hopping within a city; it’s not flying test flights around a range, unmanned; it’s you put a couple pilots in it, you put some cargo in it, and you go halfway across the country.”
Clark also mentioned that since the initial use case envisioned for the Alia will be cargo flights of about 150 miles each, these consecutive flights prove that the Alia can reliably make such journeys repeatedly.
Beta Tehchlogie’s Alia plugged into an electric vehicle charger in Springfield, Ohio
Why it’s important: While these seven flights of Beta Technologies’ Alia aircraft did not utilize the vertical take-off and landing capabilities of the aircraft, they were consecutive, with one high-range flight taking place each day, proving the reliability and range capabilities of the all-electric aircraft. Once the Beta Alia begins making these longer flights while also utilizing its vertical take-off and landing feature, Beta will have fully proven out the immense capabilities and potential of this aircraft.
Aircraft Leasing Company LCI Orders 50 Beta Technologies eVTOLs
LCI, a large and highly established aircraft leasing company, has placed an order for 50 of Beta Technologies’ all-electric ‘Alia’ eVTOL aircraft, with options to purchase up to 125 aircraft in total. LCI is a major aircraft leasing company that offers helicopters and airliners to commercial aircraft operators. As a subsidiary of Libra Group, clients of LCI include British Airways,...

Aircraft Leasing Company LCI Orders 50 Beta Technologies eVTOLs

LCI, a large and highly established aircraft leasing company, has placed an order for 50 of Beta Technologies’ all-electric ‘Alia’ eVTOL aircraft, with options to purchase up to 125 aircraft in total.

LCI is a major aircraft leasing company that offers helicopters and airliners to commercial aircraft operators. As a subsidiary of Libra Group, clients of LCI include British Airways, Air France, Singapore Airlines, and leading helicopter operators such as Babcock. The company was founded in 2004, initially only working with fixed wing aircraft, but made its first helicopter purchase in 2012 with a $400 million order from Leonardo. While the company has already taken over US$8 billion in transactions of fixed-wing and helicopter markets, the order of Beta Technologies Alia aircraft will be LCI’s first electric aircraft purchase.
Unlike traditional helicopters, Beta’s ‘Alia’ aircraft features a fixed wing and pusher propellor for forward flight, giving it the efficiency of an airplane combined with the vertical take-off and landing abilities of a helicopter. This efficient design allows the aircraft to travel up to 250 miles on a single all-electric charge, while having room for up to four passengers or 1400 lbs of cargo.
Other air transport stakeholders have also shown interest in the Alia, with Blade Urban Air Mobility placing an order for 20 aircraft, UPS placing an order for up to 150 aircraft, and United Therapeutics partnering with Beta for transplant organ transportation.
Said Jaspal Jandu, CEO of LCI: “We are embracing this new era of sustainable flight and BETA Technologies’ innovative approach makes them a natural and credible partner for LCI. We believe that the aircraft’s blend of rechargeable battery power, significant internal capacity, and plentiful range is an optimal one. We are confident it will be a popular choice for operators and end-users seeking to develop and augment their fleets with this truly sustainable technology.”
Kyle Clark, founder and CEO of Beta Technologies, commented: “As a leading aircraft lessor with an established global track record, LCI has a strong pulse on what operators are looking for. We are gratified by their confidence that the solutions we’re building will answer the need for next generation, zero-emission electric aircraft. We are excited to partner with LCI and push adoption of this solution forward within the industry.”
Why it’s important: As one of the largest aircraft leasing companies in the world, LCI has signaled its belief that the eVTOL could soon augment or even replace segments of traditional helicopter business. This purchase from such a large financial stakeholder in helicopter aviation indicates that LCI believes that there are very real and lucrative use cases for eVTOL, and that companies who invest early in eVTOL will be much better positioned for the future of aviation services.
Source // LCI, Helicopter Investor, Aero Mag
Beta Technologies Alia Takes First Crewed Military Flight
After receiving a Military Flight Release (MFR) and airworthiness approval from the U.S Air Force in May of last year, Beta Technologies’ Alia aircraft has now taken its first military crewed demonstration flight, which was flown by two Air Force test pilots over two hours of total flight time across Lake Champlain. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not allow...

Beta Technologies Alia Takes First Crewed Military Flight

After receiving a Military Flight Release (MFR) and airworthiness approval from the U.S Air Force in May of last year, Beta Technologies’ Alia aircraft has now taken its first military crewed demonstration flight, which was flown by two Air Force test pilots over two hours of total flight time across Lake Champlain.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not allow experimental aircraft to fly from their base airport to another airport until they have undergone rigorous testing to prove their safety in doing so. Marking a major step for Beta Technologies, this latest military crewed flight of the aircraft departed from the company’s primary test location in Plattsburgh, New York, to fly across Lake Champlain to the company’s headquarters in nearby Burlington, Vermont; a distance of about 35 miles. Each pilot took a turn flying the aircraft for around one hour each, after studying the flight characteristics through Beta Technologies’ flight simulators.
Said Hank Griffith’s, one of the pilots of the Alia, “Today’s USAF qualitative evaluation flight is the first of many that we will be doing with Beta Technologies and our other Agility Prime vendors. In addition to accelerating these companies’ path to FAA type certification by providing access to USAF engineering expertise and test infrastructure, we are also evaluating these prototypes for opportunities to utilize them for unique military missions. We need government pilots to accomplish these evaluations, and this is the first step in developing the training and experimentation plans to do so.”
Beta Technologies is one of the top growing eVTOL aircraft developers in the U.S, among others such as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation. The latest version of its aircraft, The Alia, will be able to cruise at speeds up to 170mph, with a flight ranges of over 200 miles. In addition to its growing partnership with the U.S Air Force, the company has also recently raised over $368 million from companies like Amazon and Fidelity, with a total valuation of about $1.4 billion.
Why It’s Important: With its growing partnership with the U.S Air Force, and its impressive progress along the path to certification, Beta Technologies is set to be one the first and most prominent eVTOL makers to bring their aircraft to market in the United States. Based in Burlington, Vermont, the company has been in operation since 2017, has already installed over 60 charging sites throughout the U.S, has raised over $350 million, and plans to begin commercial operations by 2024. This latest test flight shows that the company and its aircraft is quickly moving forward on the path to commercial operations, and has gained the safety confidence it needs to begin administering crewed flights to outside organizations.
Related:
Beta Technologies Secures Partnership with US Army
Beta Technologies has landed a massive contract from the US Army to support the company’s flight test development and certification efforts. Beta Technologies, the Vermont-based eVTOL firm, has been developing its Alia prototype in hopes to use a partnership with the Army to evaluate mission capability and requirements. Engineers from both organizations will now study range, altitude, endurance, and payload...

Beta Technologies Secures Partnership with US Army

Beta Technologies has landed a massive contract from the US Army to support the company’s flight test development and certification efforts.

Beta Technologies, the Vermont-based eVTOL firm, has been developing its Alia prototype in hopes to use a partnership with the Army to evaluate mission capability and requirements. Engineers from both organizations will now study range, altitude, endurance, and payload limitations.
Beta’s Alia currently sports a 250nm range and payload capacity to support a pilot and four passengers. Last year, it demonstrated a 205nm mission at altitudes up to 8,000 ft.
With this partnership both parties will benefit as the Army can test missions involving eVTOL aircraft while Beta will receive support accelerating its flight test program.
“This partnership with the Army marks another important step in the military’s commitment to advancing and adopting sustainable electric aviation solutions,” said Beta founder and CEO Kyle Clark in a statement. “We’re gratified by the continued support of the sector, and this allows us to accelerate our development of Alia as an incredibly safe and reliable logistics aircraft for both military and civil applications.”
The partnership isn’t Beta Technologies’ first foray into the defense sector. In 2020, it joined the US Air Force’s AFWERX Agility Prime program which included designs from across the globe and a variety of institutions and firms.
Why it matters: Beta Technologies has secured another key partner in realizing its eVTOL vision. The Army joins the likes of UPS and BLADE Urban Air mobility who have also shown interest in Alia over the past several years. The company is aiming for aircraft certification in 2024 and entry into service shortly thereafter.
Beta’s Alia eVTOL Completes 200+ Mile Flight Test
Beta Technologies successfully accomplished a 205 mile test flight with their Alia eVTOL aircraft, marking its longest flight so far. The Alia was operating in CTOL, aka conventional takeoff and landing mode, using only three out of five battery packs. During the 2 hour flight, the Alia reached a maximum speed of 122 mph, about 70% of Beta’s target cruising commercial...

Beta’s Alia eVTOL Completes 200+ Mile Flight Test

Beta Technologies successfully accomplished a 205 mile test flight with their Alia eVTOL aircraft, marking its longest flight so far. The Alia was operating in CTOL, aka conventional takeoff and landing mode, using only three out of five battery packs. During the 2 hour flight, the Alia reached a maximum speed of 122 mph, about 70% of Beta’s target cruising commercial speed of 170 mph. The Alia reached a maximum altitude of 3,000 ft, although on previous flights it reached up to 8,000 ft.
The Alia has not yet undergone extensive VTOL flight, which Beta Technologies indicates will be the most energy consuming feature of the aircraft. With continued success in CTOL mode, Beta Technologies will most likely soon move on to testing in VTOL mode as well. The Vermont-based aerospace company still plans to deliver to contracted partners by the end of 2024, including UPS and Blade Urban Air Mobility. UPS has put in an order for 10 Alias with an option for 150 units in order to service its time-sensitive package deliveries currently done by small aircraft. Blade meanwhile will be using 20 Alias in their fleet as part of their passenger transportation service.
BETA’s ALIA aircraft will be capable of flying 250 nautical miles on a single charge and carrying six people or a pilot with 1,500 pounds of cargo. It includes a novel combination of elements that create a uniquely smooth and quiet flying experience. In addition to being more than ten times quieter than a helicopter and much quieter than cars on a highway, ALIA produces absolutely zero operational emissions. The company philosophy is to reduce risk in certifying its first commercial aircraft through simplicty of design.
Why it’s important: This success is a positive step forward for Beta Technologies, which has previously stated that the target range for the Alia was 250 nautical miles, or around 285 miles total. Although test flights for the Alia have mostly been conducted in CTOL mode so far, this flight as well as the FAA’s approval (for flights beyond Beta’s primary test facility) indicates excellent results from Beta Technologies’ hard work in the development and certification process, and a promising future for the aircraft in commercial operation.
Related:
- BLADE Announces Deal for Operator’s Order of up to 20 BETA EVA’s
- UPS Places Order for BETA Technologies eVTOL, EIS in 2024
- Beta Technologies is Approved for Air Force Manned Flight Tests
- Beta Raises $368 Million in Funding Round Led by Amazon, Fidelity
Source // FlightAware, Beta Technologies
Beta Raises $368 Million in Funding Round Led by Amazon, Fidelity
Electric VTOL aircraft startup Beta Technologies is now valued at $1.4 billion after closing a $368 million funding round led by Fidelity and Amazon’s Climate Fund. The Vermont-based company has said that proceeds will be used to refine its electric propulsion systems and controls as well as the construction of manufacturing facilities, while continuing to advance toward Federal Aviation Administration...

Beta Raises $368 Million in Funding Round Led by Amazon, Fidelity

Electric VTOL aircraft startup Beta Technologies is now valued at $1.4 billion after closing a $368 million funding round led by Fidelity and Amazon’s Climate Fund. The Vermont-based company has said that proceeds will be used to refine its electric propulsion systems and controls as well as the construction of manufacturing facilities, while continuing to advance toward Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification of ALIA.
The funding announcement comes shortly after Beta’s acquisition of a MFR (Military Flight Release) from the United States Air Force for its ALIA aircraft. The MFR from the Air Force will now allow Beta to perform flight tests in collaboration with the Air Force with a pilot on board. Backed by the U.S. Military, the startup now spans its reach across multiple industries, including air medical delivery, cargo logistics, government, and passenger travel, featuring partnerships with United Therapeutics, UPS, and Blade.

BETA Technologies’ electric vertical aviation aircraft. Source // BETA
“We’re gratified for the confidence this diverse group of investors has placed in our team as we continue on our mission to transform how people and goods move about the world,” said Kyle Clark, BETA’s Founder and CEO. “These funds allow us to continue hiring the best talent, meet aggressive certification milestones, ramp up production of ALIA, and accelerate the rollout of an extensive high-speed universal charging infrastructure.”
“We support BETA Technologies’ mission to reshape air transportation through zero-emission aviation and are proud to invest in them through Amazon’s $2 billion Climate Pledge Fund,” said Kara Hurst, Vice President, and Head of Worldwide Sustainability at Amazon. “The development of sustainable and decarbonizing technologies will help facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy and protect the planet for future generations.”
BETA’s ALIA aircraft, which will be capable of flying 250 nautical miles on a single charge and carrying six people, or a pilot and 1,500 pounds, includes a novel combination of elements that create a smooth and quiet flying experience. In addition to being more than ten times quieter than a helicopter and much quieter than cars on a highway, ALIA produces zero operational emissions. The large wings, clean design, and simple propulsion system are based on first principle engineering. The company philosophy is to reduce risk in certifying its first commercial aircraft through simplification.
In other news, BETA also announced it has initiated the permitting process to expand its footprint in Vermont with a new facility to be built on unused land at Burlington International Airport (BTV). The project, which when completed will include office space, research and development, and manufacturing space, is expected to create hundreds of new jobs in the coming years. These well-paid positions in construction, engineering, design, mechanical and manufacturing roles will continue to deliver on BETA’s commitment to Vermont and its economy.
Sources // BETA; Reuters
Beta Technologies is Approved for Air Force Manned Flight Tests
Beta Technologies, an innovative Vermont-based eVTOL developer, has recently become one of the first eVTOL companies to ever receive a MFR (Military Flight Release) from the United States Air Force. This marks one of the first ever such approvals for a vertical flight electric aircraft. Capable of both fixed-wing forward flight and vertical take-off, BETA’s ‘Alia’ aircraft weighs in at...

Beta Technologies is Approved for Air Force Manned Flight Tests

Beta Technologies, an innovative Vermont-based eVTOL developer, has recently become one of the first eVTOL companies to ever receive a MFR (Military Flight Release) from the United States Air Force. This marks one of the first ever such approvals for a vertical flight electric aircraft.
Capable of both fixed-wing forward flight and vertical take-off, BETA’s ‘Alia’ aircraft weighs in at arounnd 7,000lbs, and can carry at least four passengers plus a pilot. The aircraft will remain semi-autonomous during initial operations, but will have full-autonomous capabilities. BETA expects the Alia to go into operation within the next five years, and has already inked partnerships with both BLADE Urban Air Mobility and UPS.
The MFR from the Air Force will now allow Beta to perform flight tests in collaboration with the Air Force with a pilot on board. For now, the MFR is allowing these tests only for fixed-wing forward flight mode of the aircraft, rather than for vertical flights as well. After an early series of tethered hover tests, Beta has been flying Alia with its overhead lifting propellers removed while it tests the aircraft’s fixed-wing handling abilities and characteristics. The company plans to return to hover testing in the near future, and expects its work with the Air Force to eventually fully test Alia’s vertical capabilities and complete flight envelope as well.
With this announcement, Beta becomes competitive with Joby Aviation, which was the very first eVTOL aircraft to receive an MFR through the U.S Air Force’s Agility Prime initiative. Both companies have received approval from the FAA for piloted flight tests, but Joby only received it from the USAF for unmanned flight tests, whereas Beta’s are now for piloted tests.

The Beta Technologies’ Alia prototype
Why it’s important: Beta Technologies has now inked deals with both UPS and BLADE urban air mobility. Now that is has approval for manned flight tests from the Air Force, it will become one of the first US-based eVTOLs to fly manned. Although Joby has recently taken much of the limelight through its partnerships with Agility Prime and massive fundraising, Beta has well earned a spot competing with it, and should be watched closely as it develops further.
BLADE Announces Deal for Operator’s Order of up to 20 BETA EVA’s
BLADE Urban Air Mobility has announced securing options for up to 20 BETA Technologies ALIA EVA (electric vertical aircraft) for order by BLADE UAM’s network of operators this morning via press release. The announcement will allow BLADE’s network of operators the option to sign purchase agreements for the EVA, which would be delivered in late 2024, ahead of the initial...

BLADE Announces Deal for Operator’s Order of up to 20 BETA EVA’s

BLADE Urban Air Mobility has announced securing options for up to 20 BETA Technologies ALIA EVA (electric vertical aircraft) for order by BLADE UAM’s network of operators this morning via press release.
The announcement will allow BLADE’s network of operators the option to sign purchase agreements for the EVA, which would be delivered in late 2024, ahead of the initial projected readiness date of 2025. While other manufacturers have outlined challenges in achieving readiness by mid-2020’s, BETA continues to make significant strides to make and beat their timelines.
Additionally, BLADE will enter into a partnership with Jet Linx Aviation, LLC supported by Red Bird Capital Partners, related to the purchase of the ALIA EVA’s. Blade UAM CEO Rob Wiesenthal characterized the motivation behind the announcement, while also stating that BLADE will continue to remain open to other manufacturer’s aircraft as they become available: “Blade is laser focused on its transition from conventional rotorcraft to Electric Vertical Aircraft. The ALIA’s extremely low sound footprint, coupled with its zero emissions design, will enable us to reduce the noise and environmental impact to the communities surrounding the existing heliport and airport infrastructure we currently use. ALIA is a full scale EVA flying in piloted configuration almost every day.”
Wiesenthal also commented that the ALIA was well-suited for the challenging operational environment that the Northeast presents – cold winters, wind, and periods of inclement weather. Fortunately, the ALIA was developed in a similar environment in the Northeast and is well-suited to address those environmental concerns. A number of other entities have selected the ALIA for other uses – UPS for logistics and package delivery, United Therapeutics for organ transplant, and the Air Force for defense purposes. BLADE UAM’s selection and order of ALIA’s is the first landmark commercial passenger transport announcement for the BETA team.
Further, the two companies maintain a similar stature of operations – BLADE is already flying customers on demand in routes well suited to the ALIA’s capabilities, and BETA is already flying the ALIA EVA regularly during test flights. The two companies are in agreement that a full stack, vertical approach to the on demand commercial aerial mobility problem may be too large of a scope to effectively address, and that leveraging strengths is a more effective means for earlier deployment of EVA services to passengers.
The ALIA EVA includes a unique combination of elements that create a smooth, quiet flying experience, with applications for moving both people and cargo, all while producing zero operational emissions. According to BETA, ALIA can fly six people 250 nautical miles on a single charge and the aircraft is more than 10x quieter than a helicopter, imperceptible over normal urban noise and quieter than cars on a highway. As part of the agreement, BETA has committed that ALIA will meet the necessary specifications required to operate on Blade’s key routes prior to delivery. Purchases of ALIA EVA are conditioned on FAA type certification of the aircraft prior to the scheduled delivery date. Blade has committed to facilitate the purchase of at least five and up to 20 aircraft by its network of operators or third parties that will lease the aircraft to Blade operators.
BETA is currently in pursuit of Part 23 Certification with the FAA, and cites the simplicity of design of its aircraft as a key enabling feature to its future success. The ALIA has fixed pitch propellers, centralized batteries, and pragmatism of controllability that is crucial for safe, efficient operation.
Why it’s important: Following suit of UPS’ significant announcement last week for orders of the Alia EVA, BLADE Urban Air Mobility is proving complement to the confidence placed in BETA’s new aircraft, and is similar to UPS in that BLADE is already actualizing the end case – transportation of paying customers, on demand. The net change for BLADE will be an equipment swap, albeit a significant one with reduced noise foot print, operating cost, and increased efficiency. Fortunately, both BETA and BLADE will play to their strengths if the options for up to 20 ALIA EVA’s are exercised.
UPS Places Order for BETA Technologies eVTOL, EIS in 2024
UPS, together with its UPS Flight Forward subsidiary, plans to purchase electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft from Beta Technologies (BETA) to augment its air service for select small and mid-size markets. These aircraft will take off and land on-property at UPS facilities in a whisper-quiet fashion, reducing time-in-transit, vehicle emissions, and operating cost. The BETA aircraft’s 1,400-pound cargo capacity is...

UPS Places Order for BETA Technologies eVTOL, EIS in 2024

UPS, together with its UPS Flight Forward subsidiary, plans to purchase electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft from Beta Technologies (BETA) to augment its air service for select small and mid-size markets. These aircraft will take off and land on-property at UPS facilities in a whisper-quiet fashion, reducing time-in-transit, vehicle emissions, and operating cost.

Visualization of the Beta Alia eVTOL in flight with UPS branding
The BETA aircraft’s 1,400-pound cargo capacity is ideally suited to more quickly and sustainably transport time-sensitive deliveries that would otherwise fly on small fixed-wing aircraft. UPS’s use of the aircraft will benefit healthcare providers, thousands of small and medium-sized businesses, and other companies in smaller communities. With a 250-mile range and cruising speed of up to 170 miles per hour, UPS will be able to plan a series of short routes, or one long route, on a single charge to meet customers’ needs.
“This is all about innovation with a focus on returns for our business, our customers, and the environment,” said UPS Chief Information and Engineering Officer Juan Perez. “These new aircraft will create operational efficiencies in our business, open possibilities for new services, and serve as a foundation for future solutions to reduce the emissions profile of our air and ground operations.”
The aviation logistics industry is now focusing on small aircraft, which UPS already uses to serve many small and medium-sized communities, to develop groundbreaking, sustainable electric-powered solutions. BETA’s aircraft has four fixed vertical lift propellers and one pusher propeller for forward flight. It can charge in an hour or less, and produces zero operational emissions.
“We’re combining simple, elegant design and advanced technology to create a reliable aircraft with zero operational emissions that will revolutionize how cargo moves,” said BETA founder and CEO Kyle Clark. “By utilizing vertical takeoffs and landings, we can turn relatively small spaces at existing UPS facilities into a micro air feeder network without the noise or operating emissions of traditional aircraft.”
UPS has also reserved BETA’s recharging station for a seamless and fully integrated electric aviation system. The BETA charging station helps ensure safe and rapid charging of the aircraft in under one hour, and facilitates a quick turn-around for the loading and unloading of cargo.
The charging station also offers the aircraft’s batteries a second life cycle: after the batteries’ first life cycle in the aircraft concludes, they can be fitted to the charging stations to recharge the aircraft’s onboard batteries as well as UPS’s fleet of electric ground vehicles. UPS currently operates more than 12,000 alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles, and has announced a commitment to purchase up to 10,000 more EV’s.
BETA’s aircraft are designed to someday operate autonomously as technologies and regulations are established. UPS Flight Forward received the first U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 135 Standard air carrier certification to operate a drone airline, and is operating daily revenue-generating flights with drones. The FAA certification also enables UPS Flight Forward to fly payloads of up to 7,500 lbs. either with an operator or autonomously.
Last month, BETA advanced to the next phase of flight testing, completing an interstate flight from its Plattsburgh, NY test facility to its Burlington, Vt. headquarters. In accordance with FAA protocols for experimental aircraft to fly beyond its home airport, BETA had to complete rigorous testing to ensure reliable and predictable behavior of the aircraft. In the same week, the company set a new personal-best in range while also reaching 8,000 feet in altitude.
The first ten BETA aircraft are scheduled to begin arriving in 2024, with an option to purchase up to 150 of the aircraft.
Why it matters: UPS’ investment in BETA aircraft is amongst a growing list of major orders by sustained aircraft operators. As the aviation industry realizes the cost savings potential of eVTOL platforms, many will flock to this alternative for last mile, short haul operations. With an expected EIS of 2024, electric aerial mobility solutions could soon be fueling one of the largest companies in the logistics/air cargo space.
// Source: UPS Press Release
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