Beta launches autonomous hybrid-electric MV250 VTOL focused on military logistics
The logistics-focused rotorcraft is derived from Beta’s fully electric A250 vertical take-off and landing crewed aircraft. Electric aircraft manufacturer Beta Technologies has unveiled a new military-focused variant of the company’s A250 vertical take-off and landing aircraft. Revealed at the 2026 Farnborough air show, the MV250 features a number of significant changes to the fully electric A250 VTOL, including a new hybrid-electric propulsion system and autonomous flight capability. The MV250 features a similar outer mould shape to the crewed A250 but eliminates the two cockpit pilot stations and passenger compartment. Beta says the design will offer a repositioning range of 1,300nm (2,400km) with a tactical range of 250nm and a 907kg (2,000lb) payload. "The basic physics of the MV250 enable significantly longer range, higher speed and a lower cost of operations when compared to tiltrotor and legacy platforms," says Beta founder and chief executive Kyle Clark. Beta is flight testing the crewed A250, which FlightGlobal observed at the company’s Vermont headquarters in June. The conventional take-off and landing CX300 is further along in the certification process, having recently begun limited commercial operations under a new FAA pilot programme for eVTOL aircraft. The two aircraft share 80% commonality, including nearly identical cockpits and flight controls. Although its commercial designs are fully electric, Beta opted for a hybrid-electric drivetrain for the MV250, reflecting the specific tactical needs of miltiary operators. The company says a hybrid approach retains the high reliability and low maintenance attributes of an electric engine, while offering increased range and the ability to produce ground-based power. Beta partnered with propulsion specialist GE Aerospace to develop the turbogenerator engine for the MV250. The design is based on GE’s proven T700 turboshaft, which powers the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk and Boeing AH-64 helicopters, among others. “We're bringing our expertise in electrical power and advanced propulsion systems to build the turbogenerator that ultimately unlocks greater range and mission flexibility,” says Amy Gowder, CEO of defence & systems for GE Aerospace. “This collaboration reflects the potential of hybrid systems to advance military logistics capability,” she adds. Beta envisions the MV250 as a utility platform that will move equipment, munitions, and medical supplies. The uncrewed flight capability will be delivered by Sikorsky’s Matrix system, which has already proved the ability to autonomously pilot rotorcraft, including the Black Hawk and the company’s developmental Noman rotor-blown-wing uncrewed aerial system. "We view the dual-use hybrid-electric MV250 as a unique and complementary capability to Sikorsky's UAS platforms,” says Rich Benton, Sikorsky’s general manager. Beta is actively assembling both CX300 and A250 aircraft at its Burlington, Vermont, factory. The CX300 will participate in this year’s Farnborough flying display after making its airshow debut in Paris last year. Just before Farnborough, one of the Beta CTOLs flew in NATO’s Aurora 26 military exercises in Sweden, logging 30 sorties in a logistics support role.