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, while the Ava was only a prototype. 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 has been under development for over five years, with the vision of creating emissions free, highly accessible travel by air.

Aircraft Type: Winged VTOL

Powerplant: All-electric

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

Range: 250nm

Top Speed: 145 kts

Passenger Capacity: Six seats

Payload Capacity: 1,500 lbs

Autonomy Level: Semi-autonomous with eventual full autonomy

Dimensions: 50 ft wingspan

Other Information

Propulsion: Direct-Drive Electric

MTOW: 6,300 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. Although Beta is but a startup rather than a larger company, its efforts are certainly competitive with those of well-established companies. Despite not often publishing news, the company is most certainly making significant headway, and so is on the the top of our aircraft Watchlist.