BETA Technologies, a pioneering electric aerospace company, made a resounding impact at Duke Field on Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, with a series of low passes in its ALIA electric aircraft. The event, held on October 26, 2023, brought together AFWERX Airmen and local media representatives to witness a historic moment in aviation history. This marked a significant milestone for AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Air Force and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, which has been at the forefront of embracing cutting-edge American ingenuity to address the most pressing challenges facing the Air Force.
As a partner with BETA and other electric aircraft companies, AFWERX is revolutionizing military aviation with zero-emission capabilities, a quiet noise profile, and cost savings through reduced reliance on traditional fossil fuels. Col. Elliott Leigh, AFWERX director and chief commercialization officer for the Department of the Air Force, expressed enthusiasm for companies like BETA, which are driving innovation in electric aviation.
The ALIA aircraft boasts impressive specifications, including a 50-foot wingspan, a range of 250 miles, a top speed of 138 mph, and a remarkable 90% quieter operation compared to helicopters. While designed to transport five passengers, the Air Force test objective focuses on demonstrating its potential to support agile combat employment logistics with a payload capacity of 1,000 pounds.
Strategically located 10 miles north of Eglin Air Force Base, Duke Field was chosen as the test field for ALIA due to its proximity to the Air Force’s rotary wing test squadron, the 413th Flight Test Squadron. The squadron played a crucial role in coordinating daily flight operations, including range scheduling and logistics support, to ensure a seamless testing process.
The first ALIA flight test is scheduled for November 7, 2023, marking another significant milestone in the development of electric aircraft technology. A fixed charging station installed on the military installation will not only facilitate the testing process but also provide valuable insights and inform future projects at various bases.
The collaboration between BETA and AFWERX underscores the Air Force’s commitment to embracing innovative solutions that enhance operational capabilities while promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact. As the aviation landscape continues to evolve, the integration of electric aircraft technology is poised to revolutionize military aviation and pave the way for a greener, more efficient future.
