CBC Interviews InDro Founder/CEO Philip Reece on the new Federal budget

CBC Interviews InDro Founder/CEO Philip Reece on the new Federal budget

Nov 4, 2025 | In the media, InDro News, InDro Solutions, Industry News, Innovation, Scott Simmie

By Scott Simmie

 

Canada’s new budget was unveiled Monday, November 4.

Delivered by Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, there was a lot of focus on technology and defence – both for global competitiveness and to reflect a changing geopolitical world. CBC carried extensive live coverage of the event, which included an interview on the program The House with InDro Founder and CEO Philip Reece on a panel.

The headline for the tech sector? A massive investment in defence spending, which includes dual-purpose technologies, meaning they can be utilised both for defence and industrial/civilian purposes. And the money? It’s big, including $81.8B over five years to rebuild, rearm, and invest in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Here’s a breakdown:

  • $17.9 billion over five years to expand Canada’s military capabilities including investments in additional logistics utility, light utility, and armoured vehicles, counter-drone and DRONE long-range capabilities, and domestic production, among other investments.
  • $6.6 billion to support the Defence Industrial Strategy
  • $6.2 billion over five years to expand Canada’s defence partnerships, including military assistance to Ukraine.

The Defence Industrial Strategy is new – and Canada’s first-ever such strategy. Details will be released in the coming months. But during the recent GCXpo in Ottawa, Defence Minister David McGuinty explained that it will lean heavily on Canada’s technology innovators.

“This is what I do know, and for sure: I know that at the heart of the strategy is you. The innovators, the investors, the risk-takers, the entrepreneurs, and the startups. You’re going to help us develop the dual-use technologies that are going to shape the future of defence and security,” he said.

Below: Dual-purpose technologies, such as our Sentinal inspection robot, could play a significant role in Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy.

Industrial Inspection Robots

CANADA STRONG

 

It was clear from Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne’s opening remarks that this would be a very different kind of budget.

“The world is undergoing a series of fundamental shifts at a speed, scale, and scope not seen since the fall of the Berlin Wall,” he said.

“The rules-based international order and the trading system that powered Canada’s prosperity for decades are being reshaped – threatening our sovereignty, our prosperity, and our values….Budget 2025 represents the largest defence investment in decades.”

And perhaps most revelant for this sector?

“With our new Defence Investment Agency and Defence Industrial Strategy, we will build up Canada’s defence industry – strengthening Canadian businesses and supporting Canadian workers…We will further build our security and defence capabilities, right here at home – creating new jobs for our engineers, technicians and scientists in sectors such as aerospace, shipbuilding, cybersecurity, and AI.”

In many ways, the budget signified that Canada is at a critical turning point. And while it wasn’t all focused on defence and innovation, there was a striking emphasis on these areas. And that means challenges – and opportunities – right across the entire technology sector.

“This is about more than one company; it’s about building a Canadian defence ecosystem,” says Reece. 

 

INNOVATION IN A CHANGING WORLD

 

The world is changing in unprecedented ways. The stability of geopolitics we’ve traditionally enjoyed is now much more uncertain. Significant conflicts, using newer technologies, are in the news every day. So it was no surprise the Canada Strong budget emphasized this country needs to advance its capabilities.

Following the budget, CBC’s The House interviewed a panel that included InDro Robotics Founder/CEO Philip Reece for his reaction from the technology sector. He started by touching on the budget’s potential to help grow SMEs, which are really the backbone of bringing new technologies to the fore.

“This budget is a strong start for that,” he said. “Now…we need the Canadian government to follow through and allow innovators like InDro – and the many others that are out there – to really compete and become those global companies that we deserve to be.”

Part of that plan will be contained in the forthcoming Defence Industrial Strategy, which will be released in the months to come. As previously hinted by Canada’s Minister of Defence, this strategy will rely heavily on technology entrepreneurs ranging from startups and SMEs through to major corporations. 

InDro Robotics invents and manufacture technologies that have already assisted the Department of Defence and have carried out work directly for the Ministry. (Most recently, InDro and partner CHAAC Technologies carried out a demonstration for the DoD of an AI land mine detection project that fuses drones, ground robots, and a neural network.)

Devices like our dual-purpose Sentinel inspection robot can be put to work in the field for reconnaissance, and our InDro Cortex greatly enhances the capabilities of a wide range of existing devices – including military vehicles and drones. We also have extensive expertise in customised drone and Counter-UAS technologies.

“It’s the same kind of technology now that can be rapidly swapped over to defence,” Reece told The House. “And we have seen that sort of build over the last couple of years, but it needs to build faster. 

“InDro Robotics is ready to deliver on Canada’s defence vision. We have the tech, the talent, and the ambition, now we need a clear path from government that allows us to grow and meet the moment,” says Reece.

Below: Philip’s interview on CBC’s The House, followed by an image of our Cortex – a dual-purpose InDro innovation that can be used for defence, industrial and civilian purposes

InDro Cortex ICRA 2025

INDRO’S TAKE

 

It is indeed a changing world. And we’re pleased (and relieved) to see the Government of Canada recognise the important role that technological innovation will play in our future sovereignty and security. InDro Robotics, and many other tech companies in this country, are ready to answer this call.

“The Canada Strong budget marks a pivotal moment for Canada’s defence and economic resilience,” says InDro Robotics Founder/CEO Philip Reece.

“InDro Robotics welcomes the increased investment and urges the government to now deliver a clear strategy to help Canadian businesses grow into true global leaders, capable of supplying the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces with the tools and equipment they need and supporting Canada’s trade diversification goals. It is indeed a challenge, and we are up for it.”

We look forward to the forthcoming details of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, and will update you at that time.

Wheeled quadrupeds: A versatile form factor

Wheeled quadrupeds: A versatile form factor

Oct 29, 2025 | InDro Backpack, Quadrupeds, Robots, Scott Simmie

By Scott Simmie

 

So you need a robot.

Maybe it’s for inspection purposes, surveillance or monitoring. Maybe it’s for some other form of data acquisition. Perhaps it’s even for some highly specialised use-case, such as Search and Rescue.

There’s no shortage of options. And that’s both a blessing – and a challenge. How can you ensure you’re choosing the best option for the job?

On a recent edition of our Sound Byte micro-podcast, we spoke with InDro’s Head of R&D Sales, Luke Corbeth, about the advantages of different form factors. If you happened to miss that, you can have a listen in just a second.

But there was one thing Luke said during that conversation that really caught our attention. We realize your time is precious, so feel free to scrub ahead to 4:38 to hear the segment most relevant to this post (though, of course, listening to the entire short podcast will provide additional context about form factors):

Above: Locomotion has come a *long* way

STAIRS, DEMANDING TERRAINS

 

Wheeled quadrupeds are both a recent innovation and a unique and versatile form factor. They have the advantage of all quadrupeds, such as the ability to climb stairs and navigate other obstacles. First, let’s recap what Luke had to say about quadrupeds in general.

“The name of the game with robot dogs is stairs. If you need to do any multi-level inspection, it’s one of the only form factors that can reliably get up and down stairs,” he says.

In addition, quadrupeds excel at dynamic terrains. Think construction sites, places with debris that would halt a standard wheeled UGV, embankments, even a forest or trail. Quadrupeds have an impressive ability to scramble their way over obstacles. And, if they happen to fall down and flip over – can right themselves and keep on going.

But they also have limitations. Though some do clock impressive speeds, they’re not as fast as most wheeled platforms and lack the range. They’re also not as smooth, which can be an issue with sensitive payloads. And that’s where wheeled quadrupeds come in. They’re able to handle everything a standard quadruped can, but with several distinct advantages – including speed, stability and extended range. By using their wheels, they’re also able to overcome some obstacles (a low fence or barrier, for example) that would be a challenge for standard quadrupeds.

“They keep payloads much more stable while in movement, which is great for things like security applications or data capture, and they offer best-in-class climbing ability as well,” says Corbeth. “I’m constantly looking at which options suit our clients’ needs the best, and this one seems to be coming to the top of the list in almost every discussion these days.”

 

THE INDRO ADVANTAGE

 

Of course – if a wheeled quadruped looks like a fit for your use-case, there’s nothing to stop you from ordering one directly from a manufacturer. But out-of-the-box robots have limitations. InDro specialises in customising all robots specifically for customer needs.

By adding the InDro “Backpack” – we vastly enhance the capabilities of these robots for specific applications. The Backpack allows for the seamless integration of additional sensors (which we’re happy to do), enables remote teleoperation over 5G using InDro Controller, and can be pre-loaded with our InDro Autonomy software stack. You can execute and monitor all data on missions from right next door – or even from thousands of kilometres away.

“There’s a huge difference between a robot that comes direct from the factory and one that’s been modified by InDro,” explains Corbeth. “We can customise any configuration for clients, including – as we did recently – the addition of a robotic arm and manipulator. Using the InDro Controller platform not only enables repeatable custom missions, but also allows clients to control multiple different robots – even drones – with multiple sensors, using a single and highly intuitive interface.

“We’re trying to make them (robots and drones) easier to use, regardless of how they look or what data they collect,” says Corbeth.

Below: A Unitree GO2 W in a promotional video. InDro modifications vastly expand the capabilities of this – and other – robots and drones. The second image shows one of our options: The Prowler is customised for security and surveillance applications.

Prowler

INDRO’S TAKE

 

We’ve seen a true revolution in off-the-shelf robots over the past few years. At the same time, InDro’s engineers have continuously pushed the envelope when it comes to compatible hardware and software packages. Such add-ons elevate these machines into fully customizable intelligent, autonomous devices that can carry out even highly complex missions repeatedly and reliably. The Prowler version (pictured above) is just one of our many options, depending on use-case (you can download the short deck here).

“For an increasing number of clients, our customised wheeled quadrupeds are the most capable and flexible solution,” says Corbeth. “They have pretty much unmatched agility and performance. We can add any sensor package – and modify them so that they recharge wirelessly post-mission with no human intervention. Even three years ago, it would have been hard to imagine the power of these InDro-enhanced robots, especially given their price point.”

Interested in learning more? Luke is always happy to talk robots, and you can contact him here.

How mandatory electronic conspicuity could accelerate Canada’s drone industry

How mandatory electronic conspicuity could accelerate Canada’s drone industry

Oct 16, 2025 | BVLOS, Industry News, Kate Klassen, Regulatory, Scott Simmie

By Scott Simmie

 

New Transport Canada RPAS regulations go into effect November 4, 2025.

Among many coming changes, the industry is most excited about the prospect of enabling routine, low-risk BVLOS flight for those with the new Pilot Certificate: Level 1 Complex Operations (plus an organization or point person – an Accountable Executive – holding an RPAS Operator Certificate). The RPOC holder accepts overall responsibility for safe operations, including maintenance, training etc. In addition, the drone must meet TC’s safety requirements for Level 1 Complex Operations.

But to fly BVLOS, the regulations require some sort of Detect and Avoid (DAA) system to avoid conflict with traditional low-flying aircraft. TC has provided a standard for vision-based DAA, but it has limitations including a max distance of 4 NM. For longer range BVLOS missions (and there are many applications) or other scenarios that don’t align with the standard, the operation must use a technology-based DAA solution.

For an industry scrambling to take on routine, low-risk BVLOS operations, that’s a bit of a stumbling block. The cost of DAA systems (including ground-based radar) is prohibitive. And that’s why a recent LinkedIn post by Brian Fentiman, CEO of BlueForce UAV Consulting (and InDro’s Law Enforcement Division Consultant) recently caught our attention.

“Canada’s drone industry is ready for BVLOS, but one major barrier remains: affordable Detect and Avoid (DAA) solutions,” he wrote. “Most DAA systems cost over $100k and can run into the millions. That’s not scalable.”

InDro’s Training and Regulatory Specialist, Kate Klassen, agrees, saying “It might be the first time the regulations have been ahead of the technology.”

Below: A look at the issue

DAA ADS-B Petition

ELECTRONIC CONSPICUITY

 

A far simpler and more cost-effective solution, argue many, would be a mandatory requirement for all crewed aircraft flying at lower altitudes to be equipped with an electronic system that constantly broadcasts information about its position and altitude. This generally means Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast Out, or ADS-B Out. It’s a vastly more affordable path to avoiding conflict between RPAS and low-flying aircraft, and the cost for RPAS operators for technology to detect these signals is inexpensive, accessible, and available.

“The answer lies in Electronic Conspicuity (EC), low-cost ADS-B Out broadcast by crewed aircraft that lets RPAS operators safely detect and avoid traffic,” writes Fentiman. “The US, Australia, the UK, and New Zealand are already doing this. Canada must catch up.”

Fentiman argues such a mandate would quickly open the skies to much-needed RPAS services, including:

  • Search and Rescue
  • Energy Corridor Inspection
  • Emergency Response
  • Infrastructure Monitoring

NAV CANADA mandated the use of this technology by traditional aviation flying in Class A Domestic Airspace in 2019, expanding it to include Class B in August of 2023. ADS-B is currently not required in uncontrolled airspace. There will be no further changes for some time to come.

“The implementation of any subsequent Canadian ADS-B mandate in Class C, Class D or Class E airspace will occur no sooner than 2028, pending further assessment and engagement with stakeholders,” says NAV CANADA.

That’s part of the reason why the RPAS industry believes it’s critical to address this issue as soon as possible.

“We don’t have a good RPAS-based solution for Detect And Avoid,” explains Klassen. “And size, weight and power restrictions are a challenging problem, which makes it hard to execute BVLOS missions under these regulations. That’s where Electronic Conspicuity comes in. If we expand the NAV CANADA mandate for ADS-B Out…then the only thing we need on the drone is a system to detect those signals.”

 

PETITION

 

With the lack of an approved and affordable DAA system for drones themselves, many in the RPAS industry believe the simplest and most expedient solution is a broader mandate for ADS-B Out on all aircraft that fly below 500′. And so multiple industry partners (including the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada) have come together to create a petition to Transport Canada “to implement a nation-wide requirement for Electronic Conspicuity systems on all low-flying crewed aircraft that share airspace below 500 feet AGL with drones.”

“It’s time to unlock safe and economical BVLOS drone operations in Canada,” writes Fentiman. “A national EC (Electronic Conspicuity) mandate would make Canada safer for both drones and general aviation.”

You’ll find Brian’s full LinkedIn post below – feel free to repost – and you can find a link to the petition here.

DAA ADS-B

INDRO’S TAKE

Like many in the industry, InDro embraces the coming regulations. But we share the belief that the lack of an affordable and approved DAA system will impinge RPAS operators during what should be a period of rapid expansion into routine, low-risk BVLOS flight. That’s why InDro is one of the partners pushing forward this petition.

“Mandating Electronic Conspicuity for all crewed aircraft that share airspace with drones is a logical, practical and cost-effective solution that has the benefit of enhancing safety for traditional aviation, too” says InDro’s Kate Klassen.

Once again, you can sign the petition here. And please spread the word.

GCXpo 2025: Another successful showcase of cutting-edge technology

GCXpo 2025: Another successful showcase of cutting-edge technology

Sep 25, 2025 | Area X.O, GCXpo, Industry News, Innovation, Scott Simmie

By Scott Simmie

 

GCXpo 2025 is a wrap.

Canada’s premiere next-gen tech showcase featured exhibits from more than 70 cutting-edge companies, multiple panels and fireside chats, some 2,000 registered attendees – and even a keynote speech from the Federal Minister of National Defence.

Oh. And there were a lot of wasps. But they were a minor inconvenience on a day where the focus was on “solutions that our planet needs now more than ever,” said Invest Ottawa President and CEO Sonya Shorey during brief opening remarks. Those solutions ranged from made-in-Canada robotic arms through to robotic agriculture equipment and even new long-range and AI-enhanced drones capable of all manner of data acquisition.

The event, as always, took place over the sprawling grounds of Area X.O (pronounced “X dot oh” in case you ever wondered), a private 750 hectare (1850 acres) complex that serves as a key hub for leading R&D and technology companies in the nation’s capital. The gated facility includes 16 kilometres (10 mi) of roads and test tracks for testing autonomous vehicles, along with its Drone and Advanced Robot Training and Testing facility (DARTT) – built to meet the demanding standards of the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST).

It’s the perfect location (and had, thankfully, perfect weather) for such an ambitious event. Organised by Invest Ottawa, multiple federal departments, funding agencies and companies (including InDro) sponsored the event.

“It’s an incredible constellation of partners – we do nothing in isolation,” said Shorey.

This year’s GCXpo was not only the biggest yet, but it also noted a shift. There was a greater presence of dual-purpose devices that could be used for defence purposes, along with suggestions we’re in a rapidly changing geopolitical world where it’s in Canada’s best interests to be pushing the tech envelope. Chris Pogue, President of Defence and Space at Calian Advanced Technologies, suggested during the opening ceremony we are at a highly significant point in history:

“(It’s) a moment when defence, Canadian sovereignty, and the ability to build Canadian national capacity is more important than it’s ever been since the Second World War.”

Below: Head of R&D Sales Luke Corbeth demonstrates a humanoid InDro has extensively modified for work in hazardous environments. Image two: Detail of the InDro “backpack” that vastly enhances the robot’s capabilities

 

InDro GCXpo

COOL STUFF

 

There’s always new and interesting things to see while walking the site – plus great opportunities to learn at the many panels (which took place in three separate zones). But a few things caught our eye.

One of them is a new AI drone company called Pelican Autonomy. The company has just recently emerged from “stealth” mode. It’s parent company Lemay.AI, which serves sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals and AgriTech through to aerospace and defence. Pelican Autonomy produces drones of varying sizes, ranges and payload capacities depending on use-case. Specialising in object detection and GPS-denied navigation, the company has been working behind-the-scenes at a rapid pace.

“We decided to build our own UAVs back at CANSEC 2024. We basically went from idea to flyable prototypes since then,” explains Project Lead Vlade Shestakov. “Now that we’ve made a number of successful prototypes, we’ve decided to make ourself known – and because we’re looking for funding we could potentially get some partners here.”

Its large drone (a fixed-wing, dual-engine tail-sitter) can carry a 25kg payload and has an estimated range of 400-500 km.

“It can be a full range of custom solutions – pipeline detection, collaborative mapping, disaster relief – and many others,” he says.

Ottawa-based firm A.I.rShare (“AirShare) was showing its low-cost counter-drone solutions – which are look like tiny missiles

“We provide low-cost, low-collateral counter drone solutions,” explained Missile and Fire Control Designer Luke Skinner. And with developments like we’ve seen in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, there’s clearly a need for C-UAS solutions.

“Lots of people are now buying cheap drones and attaching weapons to them – bombs, mortars, things like that. Right now the missiles being designed for this cost way more than the drones, orders of magnitude greater. Our idea is to bring the cost of the missile down to the cost of the drone. We do that through 3D printing and off-the-shelf components.”

The missiles use hobby rocket motors and are launched via a radar-guided turret. AirShare’s software determines where and when to fire (including how many missiles) for an intercept.

“The missiles deploy a large cloud of lift-disrupting countermeasures that get stuck in the propellors or air intake. Lots of people are doing things like lasers, jamming, but with new fibre optic controlled drone those don’t work so well.”

Below: Indro’s Training and Regulatory Expert, Kate Klassen, on an industry panel around certification, compliance and global standards

THE BIGGER MESSAGE

 

As flagged during opening remarks, we are in a changing world – one where AI and other technologies will play an increasingly important role during uncertain geopolitical times. A standing room-only keynote featured Federal Minister of National Defence, David McGuinty.

“Canada is going to have to be ready…not just to respond, but to lead,” said the Minister. As part of that, he said, the country is working on its first-ever Defence Industrial Strategy – and will be committing vastly more money in this area. As part of meeting Canada’s NATO commitment, he said, the country will be devoting five per cent of its GDP by 2035.

“This is a $9.2 billion investment which will strengthen our forces…enhance our infrastructure and boost our operational readiness….Every defence dollar spent is intended to reinforce Canada’s sovereignty, advance our national security, and fuel home-grown innovation,” he said.

He then expanded on the increasingly significant role Canadian technology companies will play.

“This is what I do know, and for sure: I know that at the heart of the strategy is you. The innovators, the investors, the risk-takers, the entrepreneurs, and the startups. You’re going to help us develop the dual-use technologies that are going to shape the future of defence and security,” he said.

A similar call came earlier in the day from Christine Hanson, Regional Director for North America at NATO’s DIANA program, which issues technology challenges on behalf of NATO partners and funds selected participants. The program was established in 2021 to help NATO maintain its technological edge.

“NATO Nations are really facing unprecedented challenges,” she said, emphasising how important it is “That these technologies are making us more secure and more safe” – adding DIANA is currently engaged in “important conversations around procurement and the speed of acquisition.”

Below: Canada’s National Minister of Defence, David McGuinty 

David McGuinty

INDRO’S TAKE

 

GCXpo is always a big event for us – and for the industry-at-large. This year was no exception. But there was definitely an emphasis on the importance Canada (and NATO) is now placing on developing new and innovative dual-use technologies – meaning they can be used both for defence/sovereignty as well as having other real-world applications.

“It is indeed a changing world, and technology will play an unprecedented role as we move forward,” says InDro Founder and CEO Philip Reece. “InDro already has some dual-use projects underway that we believe will be of benefit, while also standing true with InDro’s long-standing principles of positive use-case scenarios. We’d also like to thank Invest Ottawa and the many organisers of this year’s event – it truly is Canada’s premiere showcase of its kind.”

We look forward to GCXpo 2026.

Taking flight: Onboard a BETA Technologies electric-powered aircraft

Taking flight: Onboard a BETA Technologies electric-powered aircraft

Sep 15, 2025 | Advanced Air Mobility, CAAM, InDro News, Scott Simmie

By Scott Simmie

 

It’s one thing to hear about new and transformational aircraft that will blaze the path toward an Advanced Air Mobility future. It’s quite something else to see them up close – and even get the chance to fly in one.

But that’s precisely what happened during a recent trade mission organised by Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM), which included visits to Unither Bioélectronique in Bromont, Quebec – and BETA Technologies in Burlington, Vermont.

Both companies are pushing the envelope in this sector. Unither is working on a hydrogen-powered helicopter for sustainably and rapidly moving organs for transplant. And BETA Technologies is already manufacturing (and taking orders for) fully functioning electric aircraft that are in the process of FAA certification.

“BETA is building an aerospace company to make aviation more sustainable,” Chief Information Officer Blaine Newton told the CAAM delegation. And it’s not just the aircraft (BETA has both an eCTOL – an electric Conventional Take Off and Landing fixed-wind aircraft – and an eVTOL that takes off and lands vertically but transitions into forward, efficient, fixed-wing flight).

“We’re here to change the future of aviation,” he said. And after seeing BETA’s factory (including its incredible battery technology and charging system) – and experiencing a flight in its ALIA CX300 eCTOL – that doesn’t feel like hyperbole.

Below: The CX300 CTOL in flight, followed by the factory floor at BETA Technologies in Burlington, Vermont

THE AIRCRAFT

 

What would become BETA Technologies was, literally, the brainchild of its Founder and CEO, Kyle Clark. An engineer and Harvard grad, he wrote his graduate thesis on a high-wing pusher aircraft, and even built a flying scale model. Then the real work began.

“I pitched it to everyone who would listen from 2004 to 2017. I pitched it for 13 years.”

But then United Therapeutics Founder and CEO Martine Rothblatt got onboard. She has an interest in efficient and sustainable aircraft for transporting human transplant organs. The company gave BETA Technologies a $48 million US contract.

That was just the beginning. Now, with multiple eCTOL aircraft manufactured and its first production eVTOL just coming off the line (a full-scale prototype had already been built and flown), the company has an impressive trajectory and no shortage of capital.

“With an established customer base for both eCTOL and eVTOL aircraft, and more than 600 aircraft in the backlog, BETA is funded by military contracts, firm deposits, charging sales, federal financing from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) and equity investment,” states its website. Those partners include GE Aerospace, which is investing $300 million to co-develop a hybrid-electric turbogenerator to extend range for broader use-cases.

Incorporated in 2017, BETA Technologies now has some 850 employees and is growing rapidly. With an impressive manufacturing facility, much of the aircraft is vertically integrated. It designed and builds its own motor. The company holds 440+ patents and has more than 50 charging sites in the US (including one in Canada). The CX300 eCTOL can be charged in less than an hour and has shown a maximum demonstrated range of 336 nautical miles.

“We have built and are flying five aircraft, joining the family of our existing fleet of three prototype aircraft,” says BETA’s Kristen Blodgett. These include four CX300 eCTOLs and an A250 eVTOL – with the assembly of several others underway.

And the cost of these sustainable flights? BETA says the eCTOL version is 67 per cent less expensive to operate per hour than a comparable conventional aircraft. What’s more, that aircraft has an incredible glide ratio of 17:1. And with its electric engine, it’s quiet.

“It’s about the same noise as going down the highway,” said Clark.

 

THE EXPERIENCE

 

During the tour, BETA Technologies offered three seats for a spin in its ALIA eCTOL CX300, which comes in both a five-passenger version (pilot and passenger in cockpit, four in the rear) and a cargo version. Other than the removal of four seats in the rear for cargo, the two aircraft are technically identical.

The lucky passengers were Red Deer Regional Airport CEO Nancy Paish, Langley Regional Airport Manager Patrick Sihota, and InDro’s Scott Simmie. We eagerly signed waivers we didn’t take the time to read – knowing an ALIA CX300 eCTOL had already flown across the US on a cross-country tour – then buckled up. The seats were comfortable and there was plenty of legroom. Large windows on each side of the passenger section offered an incredible view.

We taxied toward the runway with minimal noise. Unlike a combustion engine, the electric power plant noise was barely perceptible. With BETA pilot Christopher Caputo at the controls and Paish riding shotgun, Caputo let the electrons loose (394 kW on takeoff). Acceleration was immediate and smooth; the FAA-Certified five-blade propeller (built specifically for electric aircraft) is fixed pitch, so there wasn’t that additional burst of noise as pitch position changed. Small vents were open in the cockpit and rear windows. The only sound was that propellor slicing the air, the increasing air flowing through the vents, and a slight runway rumble.

Soon we were wheels-up, with Caputo controlling the aircraft through a fly-by-wire system (which could, in future, be used for autonomous flights). We flew between 4,000 and 7,000′ AGL. Caputo told us over the headphones he’d give us a demonstration of its aerodynamics. He pulled a 70° bank in one direction, then the other. The response was instantaneous and incredibly smooth. It was, in a word, precise.

“Flying in the BETA eCTOL was an incredible experience – the rush of speed, the simplicity of the aircraft, and the quietness of the cockpit where all you hear is the wind,” says Nancy Paish. “I was struck by how responsive the aircraft was and how steadily it held its position, so different from conventional flying. Experiencing this technology first-hand truly inspired me.”

After quick spin over a bit of Burlington and Lake Vermont, it was back for a smooth landing and taxi. When it was all over, Caputo simply hit a couple of switches and everything was shut down and the CX300 was ready for charging. It felt, for all passengers aboard, as if we had just been given a glimpse of the future.

“Advanced Air Mobility is not a distant concept – it is real, and it has the potential to make a meaningful difference in the aviation industry,” added Paish, who is in the midst of an ambitious expansion at the Red Deer Regional Airport with sustainable, regional aviation clearly on her radar.

“My key takeaway from this trip is clear: the future of aviation is changing, and Red Deer Regional Airport is ready to play an important role in that journey.”

Langley Airport Manager Patrick Sihota was similarly impressed.

“Witnessing BETA’s technology firsthand isn’t just inspiring; it proves the future of sustainable aviation is within reach. For Langley Regional Airport (YNJ), this is a game-changer. Aircraft like the eCTOL are perfect for connecting our communities across the Lower Mainland and the island with minimal noise and environmental impact.”

Below: InDro’s Scott Simmie about the BETA Technologies CX300 eVTOL during flight. There’s a reason he’s smiling. Image two: A view of the fly-by-wire cockpit from behind

INDRO’S TAKE

 

We’ve long been advocates of the coming world of Advanced Air Mobility and applaud both the sustainability – and the use-cases. There’s a real need to move critical cargo and people to regions underserved by the traditional aviation model. And, to say we were impressed with the BETA Technologies design, approach and culture would be an understatement. It’s clear why Vancouver’s Helijet chose BETA when it decided to expand into the world of electric aircraft.

“BETA Technologies is truly at the forefront of the coming wave of eCTOL and eVTOL aircraft,” says InDro Robotics Founder and CEO Philip Reece. “We were incredibly impressed not only by the thoughtful design, but the incredible amount of vertical integration we saw at BETA. We look forward to seeing the CX300 flying from Vancouver in the not-so-distant future – and on missions elsewhere in Canada as well.”

There’s much more we saw on this trip – including its impressive charging system/network, which not only charges its aircraft but can also charge EVs. The company is brimming with innovations, and we look forward to telling you more down the road.