Tag: Beta Technologies

Beta Electric Aircraft Conducts Two More ‘Real-Time’ Demos

Flying Magazine reports, “After wrapping up its first test and deployment campaign with the U.S. Air Force in January, electric aircraft manufacturer Beta Technologies on Monday said it completed two more real-time demonstrations, dispatching its Alia aircraft with only a few minutes’ notice. The company believes these were the first such deployments for an electric aircraft with major commands of the Air Force.”
Full Story (Flying Magazine)

EVOTL OEM Ranking Hold Steady in Reality Index

Aviation Week reports that the ranking of electric air taxi startups “was unchanged in the latest edition of the AAM Reality Index, with Joby Aviation and Volocopter leading the pack followed by a three-way tie between Archer Aviation, Beta Technologies and EHang.” Joby’s front-runner position, with a score of 8.7 out of 10, largely “stems from its hefty cash cushion relative to its main competitors, according to Sergio Cecutta, founder and CEO of SMG Consulting, which publishes the bimonthly AAM Reality Index in conjunction with Aviation Week.” As a comparison, the company “finished the March quarter with nearly $1 billion in cash versus roughly $450 million for rival Archer.”
Full Story (Aviation Today)

Beta Technologies Partners with Blade Air Mobility on eVOTL Test Flight

Aviation International News reports that on Tuesday, Beta Technologies “made a test flight of its six-seat, all-electric Alia-250 EVA eVTOL at the Westchester County Airport (KHPN) in White Plains, New York.” The flight, which was performed in cooperation with Blade Air Mobility, “was the first of an eVTOL aircraft in the New York metropolitan area.” The Alia-250 flew “alongside a conventional helicopter before pulling away for a second pass above the airport to highlight the eVTOL’s comparative quietness.” Beta claims that “its noise profile is one-tenth that of a conventional helicopter.” In April 2021, Blade “agreed to facilitate the purchase of up to 20 passenger-configured Alia-250s by its network of operators.” Blade intends to “deploy these aircraft on routes between its network of dedicated terminals in the U.S. Beta has also agreed to provide and install charging infrastructure at certain key locations.”
Full Story (Aviation International News)

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)

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)

Beta Electric Aircraft Performs First Test Flight

Flying Magazine reports, “Vermont-based Beta Technologies has successfully completed the first flight of its electric aircraft built on its new production line, it announced Thursday. Kyle Clark, Beta founder and CEO, conducted the first flight of the aircraft, which lasted nearly an hour. During the flight, the aircraft took off and climbed to 7,000 feet and flew several approaches before a normal landing.”
Full Story (Flying Magazine)

Beta Performs Piloted eVTOL Aircraft Transition Flight

Aviation International News reports, “Beta Technologies has achieved the first piloted transition flights with a prototype of its Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft prototype, the Vermont-based aircraft developer announced today. A successful transition flight marks a significant milestone in the development of any eVTOL aircraft, demonstrating the core capabilities of vertical lift and horizontal cruise in combination.”
Full Story (Aviation International News)

Beta Electric Air Taxi to Perform Statewide Demo in Utah

Flying Magazine reports, “Utah residents, electric air taxis may be en route to a city near you—and next week is your first chance to see them fly. A pair of state agencies are working with manufacturer Beta Technologies and 47G—a coalition spanning industry, academia, and government that aims to cement Utah as the headquarters for aerospace companies—to conduct demonstration flights of Beta’s Alia electric conventional takeoff and landing (eCTOL).”
Full Story (Flying Magazine)

Beta Unveils Second Alia CX300 Electric Aircraft Bound for Flight Tests in Norway

Aviation International reports, “Beta Technologies has rolled out the second Alia CX300 electric aircraft from its scaled manufacturing facility in Burlington, Vermont, the company announced on March 4. Later this year, Beta will ship that aircraft off to Norway for a series of flight demonstrations to be conducted by helicopter operator Bristow Norway, a subsidiary of its partner and customer Bristow Group.”
Full Story (Aviation International News)