A new electric aircraft arrived Thursday for testing at Eglin Air Force Base.
- The ALIA electric aircraft from BETA Technologies, an electric aerospace company, made several low passes as Air Force officials gathered to witness one of the quietest aircraft flyovers ever.
The innovation arm of the Air Force called AFWERX partnered with Vermont-based BETA Technologies to bring zero-emission aviation to the military. Officials say electric aircraft provide benefits like a quiet noise profile and cost savings without dependence on fossil fuels.
“We are really excited about companies like BETA when they invent things like this,” said Col. Elliott Leigh, AFWERX director. “It is going to transform the way we see air travel in the world, but it is also going to transform the way we have air power in the Air Force.”
With a 50-foot wingspan, the ALIA aircraft has a 250-mile range and top speed of 138 mph. It is 90% quieter than a helicopter, according to the company. The Air Force will test its 1,000-pound payload capacity.
- The aircraft will conduct test flights at Duke Field, 10 miles north of Eglin. The base is home to the Air Force’s rotary wing test squadron, the 413th Flight Test Squadron.
AFWERX first partnered with BETA in 2019 and has since awarded the company several contracts, including for simulators and electric chargers. A new charger was installed at Duke Field this month, the first on a military base.
Maj. Riley Livermore said testing will help “write procedures and safety requirements for the Air Force” regarding electric aircraft.
The first test flight is tentatively scheduled for early November.
