Vermont-based electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer Beta Technologies announced Wednesday it has raised $375 million in Series B funding, bringing its total investments to nearly $800 million.
The money will support further development and eventual type certification of Beta’s Alia eVTOL, which is currently undergoing flight testing. With a wingspan of 50 feet, four fixed rotors, and a single rear-mounted propeller, the battery-powered aircraft has achieved a top speed of about 150 kts with a targeted range of 250 nm on a single charge. Designed for a payload of 1,400 pounds—or a pilot and five passengers—the eVTOL is designed to fully recharge in under an hour. Beta has said it expects FAA type certification in 2024.
