Chris Stoner of eVTOL Insights reported that a Beta (Technologies) aircraft [completed] a “stunning” 3,064 nautical mile flight across America on March 4, the Beta Barnstorm. Its headline-provoking journey gave many their first glimpse of a “mature” electric aviation product – one that could have great consequences in many areas.
The Beta Alia CX300’s flight was charged along the eastern part of its route with an established network of charging and pilot rest stations built over the last several years by Beta. Westward, the flight was assisted by a ground crew that brought Beta’s portable chargers to each destination airport. Beta’s diverse and talented workforce is building a formidable network that will enhance electric aviation and its support structure through the next several decades.
Nate Dubie and Noah Ranallo piloted the aircraft on a rotating basis while a small ground crew leapfrogged their efforts to provide backup and data capture.
A Growing Network
Beta’s network can be a precursor for electric aviation operations nation-wide. Beta notes, “In 2024, we installed chargers at 30 new sites, nearly doubling our network in size to a total of 46 locations in 22 states across the U.S. These locations are strategically aligned with our customers’ missions and the needs of the broader Advanced Air Mobility industry, with the goal of ensuring that every time an electric aircraft pilot needs to recharge, they’ll have easy access to a charger.”
“Stakeholders across the industry share this vision with us.” Enough so that, “Archer Aviation, Signature Aviation Atlantic Aviation, AvFlight, the State of Michigan, regional and municipal airports, and U.S. government agencies have partnered with us to purchase and install a BETA charger to power their programs or prepare for the future of electric aviation.” It’s still a small network compared to the 61,000 Tesla Superchargers nation-wide, but obviously gaining support from many quarters, including the U. S. Air Force, which is currently testing Beta’s Alia.
Beta”s charging network is mostly on the eastern end of America currently, but will probably spread to the rest of the country soon
One interesting factor in Beta’s success is the flight training every member of the company is encouraged to take. Since the company’s fleet seems to include Cessnas, Cubs, Pipistrel’s and a Stearman biplane, the incentive would seem to be undeniable. A solid understanding of flight and its many elements is a good way to guarantee that Beta’s staff will be knowledgeable and highly aware of the consequences of their actions.
Portable Charging Stations
Flying across 11 states, 916LF Beta, “Took off from the company’s test centre in Plattsburgh, New York, eventually landing on the West Coast at Santa Monica Municipal Airport. The aircraft flew through VFR, IFR, day and night conditions, as granted by the FAA’s Special Airworthiness Certification.
“Over the course of the trip, the 916LF flew across 11 states, including New York, Ohio, Indiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and California. The craft flew through municipal and state airports, as well as DoD bases, including Creech Air Force Base and Nellis Air Force Base.”
Established fixed-base charge stations use some variant of Beta’s Charge Cube, through whose 50-foot cable, electric aircraft can receive 320 kilowatts of power ,”Fully charging the Alia aircraft in under an hour.” Equipped with CCS (Combined Charging System) plugs, the Cube emulates the standard in aircraft charging. Although Tesla uses the NACS (North American Chargint Standard) on its Supercharger network, a simple adapter can make charging from either type of network a compatible experience.
Beta Mini Cube can charge Alia in 40 minutes
The ground chase crew took Mini Cubes to provide portable charging stations for the flight, leapfrogging the aerial expedition and managing a nearly seamless cross-country experience. Mini Cubes provide 40 0r 65 kW. Beta describles them as charging stations, “On wheels, ideal for flexible use around hangars or remote airstrips.”
Expanding the Airport Network – Utah
The Alia made a big impression on its trip through Utah, garnering interest and praise from locals, who envision creating electric aviation support for the 2034 Winter Olympics. This would be an asset to the region and to electric aviation.
Utah’s apparent embrace of such flights would be in marked contrast to the inability of European manufacturers to obtain permission to fly passengers at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The flight and its many achievements, including a side-trip to the U. S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, along with international interest from Norway to New Zealand, portend a great future for this innovative company.