Beta Technologies has achieved the first piloted transition flights with a prototype of its Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft prototype. This 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.
source.image: Global Update
A design inspired by nature, ALIA is a simple platform that enables new modes of transportation. The aircraft are designed using first principles of physics to fly in the safest, most efficient way possible. They utilize BETA’s patented electric propulsion systems and produce zero operational emissions.
source.image: Global Update
Both aircraft have an exceptionally aerodynamic form factor, a light weight structure, and carry advanced energy-dense batteries. The aircraft has a 50 foot wingspan and will carry up to 5 people and a pilot.
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The fixed-wing ALIA CTOL enables airport-to-airport missions while maximizing range and payload. The ALIA VTOL has the ability to take-off and land vertically. Its simple lift-plus-cruise design unlocks new, point-to-point missions in the vertical dimension.
Alia-250 is powered by a distributed direct-drive electric system and is powered by sealed battery packs. It has four horizontally mounted rotors that provide vertical lift and a single propeller in the rear to propel the aircraft forward. The air-cooled electric motors that propel Alia-250 have been designed in-house and offer high torque density and redundancy while providing increased efficiency.
