The US Air Force has collaborated with BETA Technologies to conduct a cargo test flight of its ALIA all-electric fixed-wing aircraft.
The test was held to evaluate the platform’s performance in real-world scenarios and validate its applications for military missions, including critical resupply and cargo and personnel transport.
During the exercise, the aircraft carried up to 500 pounds (226 kilograms) of supplies from Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey.
These included ready-to-eat meals, ration boxes, camera systems, critical medical equipment, and security systems.
According to 305th Maintenance Squadron Production Controller Alyxandra Scalone, it took the ALIA approximately 45 minutes to deliver the cargo despite Dover being “two and a half hours away from us.”
“It brings key innovation to the mission,” she said. “It’s going to make things faster and simpler.”
‘At the Forefront of Technological Advancements’
The ALIA is a single-propeller plane designed to fill logistics gaps by transporting critical cargo in combat operations.
It can carry up to five military personnel.
With an operational range of 250 nautical miles (288 miles/463 kilometers), the all-electric aircraft reportedly boasts zero emissions, a low noise profile, and cost-effective functionality.
Its customized battery packs under the cabin can also be recharged in 50 minutes.
According to the US Air Force, the recent flight test will help the ALIA stay “at the forefront of technological advancements.
“Having that last-mile cargo delivery handled by a battery-powered fixed-wing is an opportunity to make air mobility safer, cleaner, and more cost-effective,” the press release noted.
