Beta Makes First Crewed eVTOL Transition Flight

The test flight marks a key milestone for the manufacturer, which is looking to certify its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) design in the U.S. by 2026.

Jack Daleo

Friday, April 26, 2024 at 11:17 AM ET

Verified

Beta’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) this week completed its first crewed transition from vertical lift to forward cruise. [Courtesy: Beta Technologies]

Key Takeaways:

Beta Technologies achieved a significant milestone by completing a crewed, full transition flight of its Alia-250 eVTOL, successfully shifting from vertical lift to fixed-wing forward cruise.
This achievement, building on over 40,000 nautical miles of flight testing, provides critical data for the FAA type certification of the Alia-250.
Beta is commercializing both eVTOL and eCTOL variants, with initial deployment to the U.S. military, followed by cargo and passenger services, supported by a growing network of charging stations and various industry partnerships.

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Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer Beta Technologies this week achieved a milestone few eVTOL companies have reached.

The company on Tuesday said it completed a crewed, full transition flight of its Alia-250 (A250) eVTOL, shifting from vertical lift to forward cruise on fixed wings during the same flight. The model is one of two aircraft the firm is looking to commercialize in the coming years, along with a conventional takeoff and landing (eCTOL) Alia variant. Over four years of flight testing, Beta says its aircraft together have now logged more than 40,000 nautical miles.