Beta Alia 250c
Beta Technologies · United States · first flew 2020 · transport aircraft
The Beta Alia 250c is an electric VTOL aircraft that blends fixed-wing efficiency with vertical take-off capability, using four fixed lift rotors for hover and a pusher propeller for cruise.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | High straight wing with a clean fuselage and T-tail gives it a distinctly conventional light-aircraft look from ahead |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Four fixed vertical lift rotors at the wing tips and mid-span, plus a single pusher propeller at the tail
- Charging-optimised design — Beta's proprietary fast-charge system is central to the business model
- High straight wing with a clean fuselage and T-tail gives it a distinctly conventional light-aircraft look from ahead
High straight wing with four fixed vertical rotors — two at the wingtips and two mid-span — and a single pusher propeller at the tail. A T-tail and a smooth, rounded fuselage complete the profile. The fixed rotors distinguish it from tilt-rotor eVTOLs.
Specifications
- The Beta Alia 250c has a length of 10.6 m (35 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 15 m (49 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 253 km/h (157 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 pilot, up to 5 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Beta Technologies, a Vermont-based startup, flew its Alia prototype in 2020 and has progressively refined the design toward FAA certification. Beta's approach centres on a proprietary fast-charging network as much as the aircraft itself, with charging stations being installed at vertiports and general aviation airports. United Therapeutics was an early customer for organ transport missions.
Variants
The 250c is the commercial passenger variant; Beta also offers the Alia CX300 cargo-focused configuration. A conventionally taking-off version (the CTOL variant) has also been flown.
Where you'll see it
United Therapeutics and UPS have taken early deliveries for cargo and organ-transport roles under restricted category certificates. Full passenger operations await type certification.
Related aircraft
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