eVTOL Aircraft Adaptation for Cargo Logistics

BETA Technologies is developing a 600-1400lb payload, 180-250 nm range eVTOL aircraft for non-defense passenger and cargo service. Its high level architecture emphasizes simplicity in order to maximize reliability and operational efficiency. Direct drive electric motors eliminate all gearboxes. 100% air-cooling eliminates liquid cooling systems. Dedicated hover and cruise mode propulsion systems eliminate articulating structures. The principal operational benefits of this aircraft include: 75% reduction in fuel cost (accounting for battery cycle life), 60% reduction in maintenance costs, increased availability and simplified support requirements. The proposed effort will assess how this aircraft performs relative to present AF missions and what adaptations could be made to help tailor the aircraft to an Air Force cargo logistics application.