GE Aerospace is taking a sizable stake in electric aviation company Beta Technologies, with the pair teaming up to build a hybrid-electric turbogenerator for next-gen aircraft. GE will also invest 300 million, pending regulatory approval, under a strategic deal announced Thursday.
The new partnership comes as hybrid solutions gain momentum in the advanced air mobility (AAM) space, a catch-all term to describe the next generation of aviation concepts like eVTOL, hydrogen, and so on. Aircraft makers are increasingly turning to engine hybrids, combining traditional turbines with electric power, to extend flight time or increase potential payload.
Its an interesting partnership: GE Aerospace is a giant in the jet and turboprop engine world, while Beta is a startup known for its electric aircraft platform. But the pair bring complementary experience to the table.
The new turbogenerator will leverage GEs existing infrastructure and components from its widely used engine family, while Beta will bring expertise in high-performance electric propulsion. GE and Beta say their hybrid system will provide greater range, payload capacity, and better aircraft performance.
*Reporting by Techcrunch.*
GE Aerospace to invest $300M in Beta Technologies to pair up on hybrid-electric power | TechCrunch
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