Articles tagged with "electric-aviation"
US firms to build hybrid electric flight tech for defense, civil use
GE Aerospace and Beta Technologies have announced a partnership, backed by a $300 million investment from GE, to develop a hybrid-electric turbogenerator for next-generation aircraft aimed at both defense and civil markets. This collaboration combines GE’s extensive experience in turbine engines, particularly leveraging components from its CT7 and T700 families, with Beta’s expertise in electric propulsion and permanent magnet generators. The hybrid system aims to enhance aircraft range, payload capacity, and speed beyond what current electric-only models can achieve, reflecting growing momentum in advanced air mobility (AAM) technologies such as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) and hydrogen-powered aircraft. Beta Technologies continues to advance its Alia aircraft program, which includes both conventional takeoff and landing and eVTOL variants, with certification efforts underway for commercial operations. The partnership, pending regulatory approval, will increase Beta’s total funding to $1.45 billion and grant GE the right to appoint a director to Beta’s board, signaling a strong strategic commitment.
energyhybrid-electric-propulsionelectric-aviationeVTOLaircraft-technologyGE-AerospaceBeta-TechnologiesWorld's first flying car built by US firm to start operations
US-based company Alef is set to begin test operations of the world’s first flying car at Silicon Valley’s Hollister and Half Moon Bay airports. After nearly a decade of development, Alef’s vehicle—classified as an ultralight—can function both as a road car and a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The initial tests will focus on integrating the flying car safely alongside other aircraft in controlled, non-towered airport environments. Alef plans to start with its Model Zero Ultralight and eventually expand to other models, including the commercial Model A. The fully electric flying car offers a driving range of 200 miles and a flight range of 110 miles, consuming less energy per trip than typical electric vehicles like Tesla. Its ultralight classification exempts it from certain legal certifications but restricts operations to daylight hours and prohibits flights over densely populated areas. Alef has already garnered over 3,300 pre-orders, with an expected price around $300,000
energyelectric-vehiclesflying-carelectric-aviationsustainable-transportationurban-air-mobilityelectric-flightJoby Aviation and defense contractor L3Harris to test autonomous hybrid aircraft
Joby Aviation, known for developing commercial electric air taxis, is expanding its focus through a partnership with defense contractor L3Harris Technologies to develop an autonomous gas-turbine hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft for military applications. This new aircraft will be based on Joby’s existing S4 platform, which has traditionally featured an all-electric powertrain. However, under a government contract, Joby demonstrated a hybrid prototype capable of flying 521 miles—more than twice the range of its battery-electric version. The collaboration aims to leverage L3Harris’s expertise in defense technologies to integrate sensors, autonomy, communications, and payloads, creating a mission-capable aircraft suited for Department of Defense (DoD) needs. Flight testing of the hybrid VTOL is scheduled to begin in the fall, with operational demonstrations planned for 2026. Joby has been working with the DoD for nearly a decade, focusing on meeting critical requirements such as extended range and mission flexibility.
robotautonomous-aircrafthybrid-VTOLelectric-aviationdefense-technologyunmanned-systemsaerospace-materialsElectric aircraft achieves world's first piloted airport-to-airport flight
Vertical Aerospace has achieved a historic milestone by completing the world’s first piloted airport-to-airport flight in a full-scale, winged tilt-rotor electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for commercial use. On July 16, 2025, the VX4 prototype flew 17 miles from Cotswold Airport to RAF Fairford, reaching speeds of 115 mph and an altitude of 1,800 feet. This flight, approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, demonstrated the VX4’s ability to integrate with real-world airport operations and marked its first public landing, witnessed by thousands. Following the flight, the VX4 was displayed at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the world’s largest military air show, where Vertical Aerospace was the sole electric aircraft exhibitor. Vertical Aerospace is positioning the VX4 not only for commercial urban air mobility but also as a versatile platform for defence, logistics, and special missions, emphasizing its quieter, cleaner operation
electric-aircrafteVTOLvertical-aerospacehybrid-electric-propulsionurban-air-mobilityaviation-energy-technologyelectric-aviationZeroAvia, Horizon bring hydrogen power to fan-in-wing eVTOL flights
ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft have partnered to integrate ZeroAvia’s ZA600 hydrogen-electric engine into Horizon’s innovative Cavorite X7 eVTOL aircraft, aiming to pioneer quiet, efficient, and emissions-free regional air travel. The ZA600 powertrain, designed for regional aircraft, offers longer flight durations, faster refueling, and reduced noise compared to battery-electric systems. Horizon’s Cavorite X7 features a unique fan-in-wing design with 14 lift fans housed inside the wings, enabling vertical takeoff and landing combined with efficient fixed-wing flight, allowing operation from small spaces such as helipads or areas no larger than a tennis court. Horizon has already conducted successful untethered flight tests of a full-scale Cavorite X7 prototype, including vertical hover and transition to wing-borne flight, and has received regulatory approval from Transport Canada alongside financial backing from the U.S. Department of Defense. Beyond engine integration, the collaboration will develop the necessary hydrogen refueling infrastructure, safety protocols,
energyhydrogen-powereVTOLelectric-aviationclean-energyregional-air-mobilitysustainable-flightSAF Takes Off & Ticket Prices Follow: The Real Cost Of Greener Air Travel
energysustainable-aviation-fueldecarbonizationelectric-aviationcarbon-emissionsaviation-industrygreen-hydrogen