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.