Beta Technologies
Beta Technologies designs and manufactures the ALIA aircraft platform, an electric VTOL and CTOL aircraft optimized for efficiency, safety, and versatility, and also develops advanced charging solutions for electric vehicles.
ALIA Aircraft Platform
The ALIA aircraft platform is designed using first principles of physics to ensure the highest levels of safety and efficiency. This electric aircraft features high-voltage battery packs configured in-house, resulting in zero operational emissions. The ALIA, with a wingspan of 50 feet, can carry up to 5 passengers and a pilot. It is optimized for payload capacity and range, designed to maintain high dispatch rates and low maintenance needs, and can operate effectively in various weather conditions. Key features include a large rear door and flat floor for rapid loading and unloading, IFR capability, lightning strike and icing protection, and night capability with external lighting.
Vertical and Conventional Take-Off and Landing
The ALIA aircraft is versatile with its VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) and CTOL (Conventional Takeoff and Landing) capabilities. The VTOL design allows the aircraft to take off and land vertically, enabling point-to-point missions which can be a significant advantage in urban and remote areas. The CTOL design is aimed at maximizing range and payload efficiently for airport-to-airport operations. This dual capability extends the operational envelope of ALIA, making it suitable for a variety of use cases, including cargo transport, medical services, and passenger flights.
Electric Propulsion and Charging Solutions
BETA Technologies designs and produces its electric propulsion systems in-house, providing power for the ALIA aircraft. In addition to aircraft design, BETA has developed advanced charging solutions. The Charge Cube can deliver 350 kW of continuous power, capable of charging the ALIA aircraft in just 50 minutes. It integrates neatly underneath the aircraft wing, offering a touchless charging experience. The Mini Cube is another charging solution, a self-contained Level 3 DC Fast Charger compatible with all CCS vehicles. BETA has established a growing network of over 9 publicly accessible chargers and has plans for nearly 150 online by 2025.
BETA Technologies Locations
BETA Technologies has a widespread presence with facilities across several locations. The headquarters is at 1150 Airport Drive, South Burlington, Vermont. Other key facilities include the flight test center at 31 Colorado St., Plattsburgh, NY, the manufacturing and assembly facility at 154 DaVinci Drive, South Burlington, VT, and the charging system manufacturing at 1081 Avenue D - Suite 10, Williston, VT. BETA also operates a production development center at 301 Avenue D, Williston, VT, a flight simulation and government sales office at 601 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, D.C., an airframe engineering center at 9325 Av. Ryan, Dorval, QC, a flight control engineering center at 3000 RDU Center Dr, Morrisville, NC, and a battery development and test center at 75 Swanton Rd., St. Albans, VT.
Notable ALIA Flights and Demonstrations
BETA's ALIA aircraft has completed several significant missions including a 2,400+ mile cross-country flight under real-world conditions and a non-stop 336 nautical mile flight, potentially the longest for an electric aircraft. Demonstration flights include a session with BLADE in the Greater NYC area, a flight through the Hudson Corridor in New York City, and participation in an Agile Combat Employment scenario with the Air National Guard. Other notable missions include a 1,700 nautical mile journey delivering an aircraft to the U.S. Air Force's 413th Test Squadron and a proof-of-concept flight with UPS.