USAF and Beta Perform First Airman Flight of an Electric Aircraft through Agility Prime Program

U.S. Air Force pilots have performed the first crewed demonstration flight for an Agility Prime partner, using Beta Technologies’ Alia electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Thom Patterson

Monday, March 14, 2022 at 11:32 AM ET

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U.S. Air Force Maj. Jonathan Appleby, left, and Beta test pilot Camron Guthrie, took flight in Alia on March 9. [Courtesy: Beta Technologies]

Key Takeaways:

U.S. Air Force pilots have completed the first crewed demonstration flights for an Agility Prime partner using Beta Technologies’ Alia electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, marking a significant milestone as previous program demonstrations were remote.
The AFWERX Agility Prime program aims to accelerate commercial eVTOL development by providing Air Force funding, engineering expertise, and test infrastructure, evaluating the aircraft for both military missions and broader sustainable air travel.
Beta Technologies' Alia eVTOL, a zero-emission aircraft with a target range of 250 nm, is on track for FAA certification by 2024, has secured commercial purchase agreements, and is developing an extensive charging station network.

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U.S. Air Force pilots have performed the first crewed demonstration flights for an Agility Prime partner, using Beta Technologies’ Alia electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The flights, which took place March 9 at Beta’s flight test facility in Plattsburgh, New York, sets Beta apart from other Agility Prime partners that have been operating aircraft by remote control under the program.