Beta Technologies Alia

The Alia is the second aircraft created by Vermont-based startup Beta Technologies, the first being the Beta Technologies Ava. The Alia will be Beta's commercially produced aircraft, capable of carrying passengers (Alia-250) or cargo (Alia-250c). According to CEO Kyle Clark, the design of the Alia was inspired by migratory birds of the Arctic, and testing of the aircraft for FAA certification is already underway. Beta Technologies' initial prototypes have been under development since its founding in 2017, supporting the company vision to create emissions-free, highly-accessible travel by air. The company also intends to sell its CX300 conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant of the Alia.

Aircraft Type: Winged VTOL

Powerplant: All-electric

Propeller Configuration: Four vertical lift propellers, one rear pusher propeller

Range: 250 miles

Top Speed: 145 kts

Passenger Capacity: Up to four passengers and one pilot

Payload Capacity: 1,500 lbs

Autonomy Level: Semi-autonomous with eventual full autonomy

Dimensions: 50 ft wingspan

Other Information

Propulsion: 5 Direct-Drive Electric motors

MTOW: 7000 lbs

Cargo Configuration: 200 cubic feet

Beta Technologies is made up of a team of highly capable individuals who have dedicated themselves to providing the world with all-electric flight. Not only is Beta making aircraft, it is also take a 'whole systems approach' by designing modular recharging stations that will feature rapid charging, on-site maintenance, solar charging, and more. The company has had strong financially backing from Martine Rothblatt's United Therapeutics since its nascent startup days, and continues to hit key milestones keeping up with other leaders in the aerial mobility industry. Beta is also a participant in the US Air Force Agility Prime initiative, which provides additional funding toward development and certification of the Alia-250. Further, BETA has decided to sell its CX300 conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant of the Alia. This could provide critical revenue stream for the company as it continues down the long runway of certifying its eVTOL.