BETA Defense unveiled its MV250 hybrid electric VTOL UAV with a gas turbine engine for long-range missions and heavy payloads at the FIA2026's exhibition.
US-based BETA Defence unveiled a new approach to the eVTOL concept as the MV250 for military use and long-range/heavy payload missions at FIA2026.
BETA Defense displayed the MV250 with its nose cargo door opened to show the loading of a small container as well as slots for sonobuoy launchers.
MV250, adopting a hybrid electric propulsion, has four lift propellers and one pusher propeller, all powered electrically. The power generation for the electric motors is provided by what appears to be a GE T700 turboshaft engine adapted to act as a generator. The selection of a turboshaft engine stems from the high power requirements of the large-sized VTOL UAV. The hybrid propulsion system provides a power of 300 kW during cruise and 1300 kW during takeoff.
MV250 can carry a 907 kg payload up to a range of 463 km, while the ferry range goes up to 2400 km. The variable-pitch pusher propeller provides a maximum speed of 314 km/h. For ISR missions, the endurance is in a better place compared to all-electric VTOL UAVs at 12 hours.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
