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U.S. Air Force conducts exercises with Beta's electric aircraft

U.S. Air Force conducts exercises with Beta's electric aircraft
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Beta Technologies has completed two additional military exercises in the United States with its electric Alia aircraft. The Vermont-based company, which develops electric aircraft and charging infrastructure, has been collaborating with the U.S. Department of Defense to explore military applications for electric air taxis like the Alia.

Earlier this year, Beta conducted its initial deployments at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida and the Air National Guard's combat training and readiness center in Savannah, Georgia. For the third and fourth deployments, Beta worked alongside the Air Combat Command and Air Mobility Command, two of the nine Major Commands of the U.S. Air Force.

In late June, the Alia was stationed at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Michigan. There, Beta and the Air Combat Command carried out a contingency location operations rehearsal (CLOR) exercise. Over four days and 24 flight hours, the Alia transported over 2,200 pounds of cargo between Alpena and Grayling Army Airfield. The cargo included meals, medical equipment, cameras, and a tactical security system. Additionally, it took part in a simulated medevac mission and helped address a logistics gap when a mission using a C-130 fixed-wing aircraft was canceled.

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On July 9th, Beta concluded another defense exercise with the Air Mobility Command. This daylong exercise featured five flights between Dover Air Force Base in Delaware and McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. During these flights, the Alia moved cargo and repositioned several hundred pounds of military equipment.

The Alia is configured as an air taxi that can accommodate up to five passengers plus one pilot. A variant designed for cargo will have a payload capacity of 1,400 pounds (635 kilograms). While testing with the Department of Defense involves a conventional takeoff and landing prototype, Beta is also working on an eVTOL model expected to have a range of about 250 miles. So far, tests have shown that the conventional-style prototype can fly up to 386 miles on a single charge.

Beta anticipates that its conventional takeoff and landing CX300 model will receive FAA type certification by 2025, with plans for it to enter service that year. The Alia-250 eVTOL version is expected to follow in 2026.

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