The U.S. Air Force has commenced initial flight testing of Beta Technologies' electric aircraft, Alia, in Florida, marking its first delivery to a contracted military partner.
Trials involve flying missions between bases and utilizing the first Level 3 electric charging station on a military installation for rapid recharging, simulating "hot pitting" operations.
A primary objective of the testing is to collect infrared (IR) signature data to establish baselines for electric aircraft and compare them to conventional aircraft for survivability analysis.
Collected data on flight performance, battery usage, and logistics will inform the Air Force's eVTOL program and help define procedures and safety requirements for integrating new electric aviation technology.
The U.S. Air Force began its first round of testing of Beta Technologies’ electric aircraft Alia in Florida, the service announced this week.
The Alia arrived at Duke Field (KEGI), located about 10 miles north of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, in late October, marking Beta Technologies’ first delivery of an aircraft to a contracted partner.
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