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The world of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is rapidly evolving. From electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) and urban air mobility (UAM) platforms to electric conventional takeoff and landing (eCTOL) aircraft, companies around the world are actively engaged in developing solutions to shape the future of flight, including Hartzell Propeller.
With so many projects in motion, it can be difficult to keep track of the latest innovations and updates. To help you get up speed, check out some recent developments from our partners at Beta Technologies:
In October 2023, Beta Technologies officially opened a new, 188,500-square-foot production facility at the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport. The company plans to manufacture and assemble its 100% electric Alia CTOL and Alia VTOL for both commercial and military customers, with the goal of eventually producing up to 300 aircraft per year.
FAA certification for the Alia CTOL electric aircraft is targeted for 2025, and new production aircraft are anticipated to roll off the production line the same year. Meanwhile, the eVTOL version of the Alia is planned for certification in 2026.
In addition to Vermont, Beta also has locations in Montreal; Plattsburgh, New York; Raleigh, North Carolina; Springfield, Ohio; and Washington.
In early 2024, Beta concluded its first Alia CTOL aircraft deployment with the U.S. Department of Defense. Beta stationed at Eglin Air Force Base’s Duke Field (KEGI) in Florida for three months of Air Force-directed operational experimentation and training with the 413th Flight Test Squadron through the Air Force’s Agility Prime program.
During the deployment, Beta’s flight test team worked closely with AFWERX, the Air Force’s innovation unit, and the 413th Flight Test Squadron, using the Alia CTOL and a MobileDome simulator to validate military use cases such as critical resupply, cargo delivery and personnel transport. A series of experimental trials included a simulated casualty evacuation mission and a maintenance recovery team mission. These scenarios demonstrated how electric aircraft can improve response times while decreasing the resources typically required for such military services.
In an industry-first agreement, Beta Technologies partnered with Archer Aviation to expand Beta’s network of electric aircraft chargers across the AAM industry. The ability for electric aircraft from different manufacturers to share a common charging infrastructure is a promising step forward in the viability of electric/hybrid aviation.
“The adoption of a unified charging standard will help promote electric aviation’s development at scale,” said Pete Bunce, President and CEO of GAMA. “A common standard will boost confidence in the emerging Advanced Air Mobility sector of our industry and encourage adoption of, and access to, publicly accessible charging networks.”
As the global leader in advanced aircraft propeller design and manufacturing, Hartzell Propeller has experience developing custom lightweight composite propeller applications for several leading electric, hybrid-electric, and alternative propulsion aircraft programs.
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Images courtesy of Beta Technologies.
