BETA Technologies has unveiled the BETA Technologies MV250, an autonomous hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft developed for military logistics missions. Introduced at the Farnborough International Airshow, the aircraft is designed to provide greater range, higher speed, increased payload capacity and lower operating costs for contested operations conducted on and away from established airfields.
The MV250 builds on technologies already used in BETA’s ALIA aircraft platform and incorporates systems developed with GE Aerospace and Sikorsky.
BETA Technologies MV250 Targets Military Logistics Missions
The MV250 is designed to transport equipment, munitions, medical supplies and other critical cargo across dispersed operating environments.
According to BETA Technologies, the aircraft provides:
- A repositioning range of 1,300 nautical miles
- A 2,000-pound payload capacity
- A tactical range of 250 nautical miles
- Vertical takeoff and landing capability
- Autonomous flight capability
- Hybrid-electric propulsion
- Increased operational availability
“The basic physics of the MV250 enable significantly longer range, higher speed and a lower cost of operations when compared to tiltrotor and legacy platforms. I believe we should be offering our military the most robust and best equipment in the world to maintain superiority and thus deterrence,” said Kyle Clark, Founder and CEO of BETA Technologies.
“MV250 uses advanced airframes and technologies we at BETA have spent years flying and combines them with exceptional products from GE Aerospace and Sikorsky. The combination gives commanders a highly available, adaptable platform that can evolve as operational needs change, all at a lower procurement cost and a lower logistics tail.”
Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Extends MV250 Range
The aircraft uses a series hybrid-electric turbogenerator developed by BETA Technologies and GE Aerospace under a Joint Technology Development Agreement.
According to the companies, the turbogenerator extends the aircraft’s operational range and can provide ground-based power for auxiliary equipment.
The system combines electromagnetics and power electronics with a CT7/T700-based turbine. BETA said this design is intended to:
- Increase efficiency
- Improve durability
- Reduce weight
- Lower system cost
“We’re proud to be partnering with BETA to develop the mission critical technologies that will deliver the operational advantage our military customers need,” said Amy Gowder, CEO, Defense & Systems for GE Aerospace and BETA board member.
“In collaboration with BETA we’re bringing our expertise in electrical power and advanced propulsion systems to build the turbogenerator that ultimately unlocks greater range and mission flexibility when the customer needs it most. This collaboration reflects the potential of hybrid systems to advance military logistics capability.”
Autonomous Flight Systems Support Mission Flexibility
The BETA Technologies MV250 uses an open flight-control architecture that can integrate with different autonomous mission systems.
BETA said it has flown its all-electric aircraft using both Sikorsky MATRIX autonomy and internally developed autonomy systems.
The MV250 also incorporates:
- An uncrewed fuselage
- A Modular Open Systems Approach
- Autonomous flight capability
- A common technology architecture
- Support for multiple mission-system configurations
“Every time new platforms join the MATRIX™ autonomy family, we widen the network of uncrewed systems available to commanders, giving them greater resilience and flexibility to move critical resources to the point of need in contested environments,” said Rich Benton, vice president and general manager of Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company.
“We view the dual-use hybrid-electric MV250 as a unique and complementary capability to Sikorsky’s UAS platforms. The rapid integration efforts and close collaboration with BETA is intended to address logistics mission needs of our DoW and international customers.”
MV250 Builds on BETA’s ALIA Aircraft Platform
Rather than beginning with a new defense-only aircraft design, BETA developed the MV250 using the architecture already operating in its ALIA VTOL platform.
The company said the platform incorporates flight-tested:
- Propulsion systems
- Flight controls
- Software
- Batteries
- Manufacturing processes
BETA stated that its investments in electric propulsion, energy storage, autonomy, software and manufacturing are based on a common architecture designed for multiple aircraft configurations and missions.
The company said major MV250 systems and components will be produced using its existing production lines, tooling and processes.
Military Exercise Experience Informs Development
Earlier this year, BETA deployed its all-electric ALIA CTOL aircraft during NATO Exercise Aurora 26 in Sweden at the invitation of the U.S. Army.
The aircraft supported logistics operations alongside conventional military platforms during the multinational exercise. BETA said experience gained in the expeditionary environment is helping inform the development of the MV250 and future mission capabilities.
The company expects the BETA Technologies MV250 to participate in upcoming large-scale military exercises as it continues development of the autonomous hybrid-electric platform.
Source: Press release from BETA Technologies
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