GE puts $300m into BETA to advance hybrid electric aviation

The agreement is set to combine GE Aerospace’s turbine expertise with BETA’s generator technology, accelerating hybrid electric development for Advanced Air Mobility.

GE Aerospace and BETA Technologies have formed a new strategic partnership and equity investment agreement, subject to regulatory approval, to advance hybrid electric aviation.

The two companies plan to co-develop a hybrid electric turbogenerator for Advanced Air Mobility applications, including long-range VTOL aircraft, future BETA aircraft, and other potential uses. The design will combine BETA’s work in permanent magnet electric generators with GE Aerospace’s experience in turbine design, certification and large-scale manufacturing.

The hybrid solution will leverage existing GE Aerospace infrastructure, including CT7 and T700 engines, and is expected to improve range, payload and speed over comparable aircraft. GE Aerospace will also invest $300 million in BETA and take a seat on the company’s Board.

GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. says: “Partnering with BETA will expand and accelerate hybrid electric technology development, meeting our customers’ needs for differentiated capabilities that provide more range, payload, and optimised engine and aircraft performance.”

Kyle Clark, BETA Technologies’ founder and CEO, says: “This partnership brings together two teams deeply committed to aerospace engineering excellence and building the future of flight.”