Lift and Cruise For this category of eVTOL design we have chosen to highlight the six-passenger, piloted Beta Technologies Alia, a Lift and Cruise aircraft with separate, fixed-position propulsion systems for lift (hovering) and cruise (forward thrust). The Beta Technologies Alia is a versatile aircraft design with dual capabilities for short duration flights as well as longer mission-profiles, and an interesting focus on both passenger and cargo implementations of their flagship aircraft, the Alia 250 and 250c. And worthy of note, Beta Technologies has already inked a deal with UPS Flight Forward, a subsidiary of United Parcel Service for 150 Alia 250c aircraft. Flight control is managed by the speed and vector control of the propeller system, combined with conventional wing flaps. Beta Technologies, based in Vermont, has invested heavily in a unique, modular base-station and charging facility platform which promises to recharge the aircraft battery in just one hour, for fast turnaround
flight scheduling. The range of the Alia is described by the manufacturer as 250 nautical miles, making it suitable for longer-category missions. The design language of the aircraft (its flight surfaces especially) were, according to Beta, inspired by the wing profile of the Arctic Tern, perhaps
the most intrepid avian commuter in the world.
The Lift and Cruise Alia (above) will quickly charge at a modular base station (left) for quick-turnaround
flight scheduling. Images courtesy Beta Technologies
QwikConnect • July 2021
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