WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR Power Foundation, Ohio (AFRL) – United States Air Force pilots Hank “Hog” Griffiths and Maj. Jonathan Appleby flew BETA Technologies’ electric powered vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) plane, ALIA, as the initially-ever Airmen to fly an electric powered aircraft with a military airworthiness March 9.



This milestone, which took spot at BETA’s Plattsburgh, New York, hangar and screening facility–just 35 miles from its South Burlington, Vermont headquarters–is the culmination of a two-12 months partnership between BETA and the Agility Primary program. Given that partnering in 2020, Air Pressure engineers have labored along with BETA’s flight check staff to build and refine the ALIA aircraft to make electrical aviation a actuality. ALIA has made major specialized developments throughout the partnership. In addition to previous week’s accomplishment, in 2021, BETA was also awarded the initial Air Force airworthiness acceptance for an electrical aircraft with staff on board. The partnership is currently operating less than a Section II Smaller Small business Innovation Exploration (SBIR) contract.


Griffiths, AFWERX Airworthiness and Exam Guide and Chief of Engineering, commended BETA on creating an innovative enterprise society though acquiring their aircraft.



“BETA has designed a exclusive eVTOL air method that is the comprehensive package and consists of an air motor vehicle and charging community that will surely compete very well in this rising competitive market,” reported Griffiths. “However, that is not stunning for a firm that has embraced aviation each employee is encouraged to choose flight coaching, and their business areas overlook their hangar where all of the BETA magic is going on. It has been a pleasure to operate and fly with these kinds of a enthusiastic and modern team of folks.”



In advance of finishing this historic examination flight, Griffiths and Appleby underwent extensive safety and preparedness instruction.They finished intense plane lecturers in advance of their arrival in South Burlington, possessing received thorough ALIA manuals and additional materials compiled by the BETA engineers who developed the aircraft. Floor university