Aviation Week reports that two US Air Force pilots “have become the first to conduct crewed test flights of an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft under the service’s Agility Prime program.” The two pilots flew “Beta Technologies’ Alia prototype on March 9 from Plattsburgh International Airport, New York.”
Full Story (Aviation Week)
Tag: ALIA eVTOL
France to Test Electric Air Taxis Before 2024 Summer Olympics
The Hill reports that France “is set to begin testing electric air taxis in the coming months, with the goal of launching them in time for the 2024 Summer Olympics.” The flying taxis “will be tested at a hub outside Paris at Pontoise” in the hopes of establishing two flight paths to the 2024 Olympics from both Paris airports and two southwest suburbs, respectively.
Full Story (The Hill)
US Air Force Could Be Flying Air Taxis by 2023
Aviation Today reports that AFWERX Director Col. Nathan Diller said that the US Air Force’s Agility Prime program has been investing in electric air taxis and could have them in use by 2023. The vertical takeoff and landing capable air taxis potentially could be used to evacuate downed aircrew.
Full Story (Aviation Today)
Electric Aircraft Company Beta Technologies Raises $368M in Funding Round
Reuters reports that electric aircraft company Beta Technologies “said on Tuesday it had raised $368 million in a private funding round which was led by Fidelity Management and backed by Amazon’s climate-focused venture capital fund.” Beta Technologies said that the funding will be used to refine its electric propulsion systems and controls and the construction of manufacturing facilities. UPS agreed last month to buy 10 electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft from Beta Technologies to speed up deliveries in small markets.
Full Story (Reuters)
BETA Technologies’ ALIA eVTOL Receives Airworthiness Approval from US Air Force
Aviation Today reported that BETA Technology’s ALIA eVTOL “has received the first airworthiness approval for manned flight in an electric aircraft from the U.S. Air Force, the Air Force announced on May 5.” The approval comes after the Air Force tested the ALIA simulator for a year. BETA and the Air Force “will sign a contract in June that allows the Air Force access to ALIA as well as their eVTOL simulators in Washington, D.C. and Springfield, Ohio. The airworthiness approval allows ALIA to fly in the Air Force’s AFWERX Agility Prime program, according to the Air Force.”
Full Story (Aviation Today)