Photo: Beta Technologies
The United States is home to several top-tier eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) makers, yet each of them brings something different to the table. Beta Technologies isn't only the parent of the impressive Alia electric aircraft but also an important electric infrastructure developer. Its latest success brings Mississippi to the forefront.
In just a few months, Beta has commissioned five chargers in five different states, and it's most likely the only eVTOL maker who can say that. Apart from developing its own electric aircraft, Beta is supporting the entire AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) industry by contributing to a nationwide electric charging network.
Beta has now reached a total of 18 active chargers at locations from Vermont to Florida. More than 50 additional sites are already in development. Beta has successfully sold its versatile charging solution to the Department of Defense (marking the first-ever electric aviation charger installed at a USAF base), Atlantic Aviation, and Archer Aviation (the company that created the Midnight air taxi).
The latest one to join this trailblazing club across the US is the state of Mississippi, through the Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR). It's the first of its kind in the state and will be able to power both aircraft and ground vehicles. The solution is comprised of a Level 3 fast charger that was installed inside the fence and a dual-port electric vehicle charger for the parking lot. This is the same formula that was implemented at the previous sites.
Fixed-base operator Avflight, the 4-County Electric Power Association, and Mississippi State University were also partners in this pioneering endeavor. Another shared element for all the Beta charging stations installed so far was the impressive arrival of the Alia aircraft itself at the inauguration ceremonies. This time, the Alia electric aircraft arrived after two other impressive achievements – a one-month deployment with the US Air Force at Duke Field, Florida, and a flight demonstration in Houma, Louisiana, together with Beta's partner Bristow.
While continuing to expand this pioneering electric aircraft charging network, Beta is also gearing up to kick off aircraft production. By investing more than $40 million into its current facility in Plattsburgh, the eVTOL maker plans to transform into the final assembly line for the Alia aircraft. But that won't be all – as an advanced Beta hub, the revamped facility will also act as a permanent flight test center and the company's flagship delivery center.
Beta's Alia, known for its unique configuration that looks like a dragonfly but was actually inspired by a bird (the Arctic tern), was designed as a five-passenger (plus the pilot) air taxi. Performance-wise, it promises a fully electric medium range of up to 250 miles (463 km) and a 1,400 lbs (635 kg) payload.
Beta has now reached a total of 18 active chargers at locations from Vermont to Florida. More than 50 additional sites are already in development. Beta has successfully sold its versatile charging solution to the Department of Defense (marking the first-ever electric aviation charger installed at a USAF base), Atlantic Aviation, and Archer Aviation (the company that created the Midnight air taxi).
The latest one to join this trailblazing club across the US is the state of Mississippi, through the Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR). It's the first of its kind in the state and will be able to power both aircraft and ground vehicles. The solution is comprised of a Level 3 fast charger that was installed inside the fence and a dual-port electric vehicle charger for the parking lot. This is the same formula that was implemented at the previous sites.
Fixed-base operator Avflight, the 4-County Electric Power Association, and Mississippi State University were also partners in this pioneering endeavor. Another shared element for all the Beta charging stations installed so far was the impressive arrival of the Alia aircraft itself at the inauguration ceremonies. This time, the Alia electric aircraft arrived after two other impressive achievements – a one-month deployment with the US Air Force at Duke Field, Florida, and a flight demonstration in Houma, Louisiana, together with Beta's partner Bristow.
While continuing to expand this pioneering electric aircraft charging network, Beta is also gearing up to kick off aircraft production. By investing more than $40 million into its current facility in Plattsburgh, the eVTOL maker plans to transform into the final assembly line for the Alia aircraft. But that won't be all – as an advanced Beta hub, the revamped facility will also act as a permanent flight test center and the company's flagship delivery center.
Beta's Alia, known for its unique configuration that looks like a dragonfly but was actually inspired by a bird (the Arctic tern), was designed as a five-passenger (plus the pilot) air taxi. Performance-wise, it promises a fully electric medium range of up to 250 miles (463 km) and a 1,400 lbs (635 kg) payload.
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