U.S. Air Force to Test Suitability of Electric Aircraft for Agile Combat Logistics

The U.S. Air Force is set to test BETA Technologies' ALIA electric aircraft for its potential to revolutionize agile combat employment logistics.

ALIA, boasting a payload capacity of 1,000 pounds, was unveiled to an audience on October 26, 2023, with BETA Technologies making a series of low passes at Duke Field, located 10 miles north of Eglin Air Force Base.

The electric aircraft promises zero-emission aviation, reduced noise pollution, and significant cost savings by eliminating the dependency on traditional fossil fuels.

"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. We’re going to learn what we can do with vehicles like this and we’re going to take it to our warfighters,” said Col. Elliott Leigh, AFWERX director and chief commercialization officer for the Department of the Air Force.

ALIA, characterized by its 50-foot wingspan, a 250-mile range, and a top speed of 138 mph, is known for being 90% quieter than a helicopter. While the aircraft can accommodate up to five passengers, the focus of the Air Force's testing lies in evaluating its ability to support agile combat employment logistics, as it can carry a substantial payload of 1,000 pounds.

Duke Field was strategically chosen as the testing ground for ALIA due to its proximity to Eglin Air Force Base and its status as the home of the Air Force's rotary wing test squadron, the 413th Flight Test Squadron. The 413th Flight Test Squadron played a pivotal role in drafting the test and safety plan for ALIA's evaluation. They will also oversee daily flight operations, including range scheduling and logistics support, and subsequently compile a comprehensive report detailing their findings.

The partnership between AFWERX and BETA Technologies began in December 2019 and has flourished over the years, with BETA supplying AFWERX with three simulators, including a mobile simulator for pilot training and demonstrations, along with two Level-3 electric chargers. The electric charger installed at Duke Field on October 16, 2023, marks a significant milestone as the first charging station on a military installation.

Maj. Riley Livermore, the flight commander of the 413th Flight Test Squadron, explained that part of the testing process was to establish an aircraft charger on a military installation, with the aim of capturing valuable lessons to inform and expedite future projects at different bases. Additionally, this fixed charging station will play a role in shaping procedures and safety requirements for the Air Force, as these aspects are currently undefined due to the novelty of the technology.

The inaugural flight test of ALIA is tentatively scheduled for November 7, 2023.