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 performed the first-ever crewed demonstration flights of an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for the Agility Prime program, utilizing Beta Technologies' Alia.
This milestone is key for the AFWERX Agility Prime program to accelerate commercial eVTOL development, evaluate potential military applications, and advance the safety and sustainability of air travel.
Beta Technologies' Alia eVTOL, a zero-emission aircraft targeting a 250 nm range, is pursuing FAA type certification by 2024 and has already secured commercial purchase agreements and begun establishing a charging 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.