A First of Its Kind For Bama
The state of Alabama, traditionally not recognized for pioneering innovations, has recently garnered attention due to developments in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology. Yesterday, on February 5, 2023, Alabama made a significant leap forward by unveiling its inaugural eVTOL charging station at Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM). This advancement was made possible through the collaboration with Beta Technologies, marking a notable milestone in the state’s technological progress. This accomplishment not only demonstrates Alabama’s commitment to embracing sustainable aviation solutions but also signifies its potential to become a hub for cutting-edge transportation technologies.
The Charging Cube
The charging system is called the Beta Charging Cube. It provides Level 3 Fast charging on the airside and a Level 2 charger on the auto side for charging electric automobiles. The cube sits at 4ft high, and includes a 50 ft retractable charging cable. It offers a continuous 350 kW power output that will charge an ALIA aircraft in just 50 minutes.
Once the deployment of its eVTOL with the United States Air Force at Duke Field was completed, Beta installed the system at the Montgomery airport. This marked a pivotal moment for Beta, as they transitioned to the development and certification stage with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This progression demonstrates Beta’s commitment to advancing aviation technology and aligning with regulatory standards. As they navigate this stage, Beta continues to play a crucial role in the evolution of eVTOL technology, paving the way for innovative and sustainable airborne transportation solutions.
Elevated Landing Platforms
Beta is quite an interesting company because not only are they developing multiple variants of eVTOLs but they also obviously have the charging infrastructure that they’re developing. However, they are also adding these innovative elevated landing platforms utilizing retired shipping containers. The landing platform also contains the infrastructure for recharging the eVTOL, a pilots’ lounge, a control center, and battery storage.
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