Australian aerospace startup AMSL Aero has secured $5.43 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to develop Vertiia, a hydrogen-powered electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft (eVTOL).
The Vertiia, which operates similarly to a helicopter and has eight rotors, will be capable of carrying up to five passengers across lengths of up to 1000 kilometres.
The $10.86 million project comes on the heels of AMSL’s successful development of a prototype battery-electric Vertiia aircraft.
The $5.43 million ARENA grant will enable AMSL to develop and test a prototype of a low-cost, clean air transport aircraft, potentially reaching 1,000km range, ensuring its success in demonstrating its potential.
AMSL Aero, based at Sydney’s Bankstown Airport, was established in 2017 to develop and manufacture zero emissions aircraft.
AMSL plans to launch Vertiia for air ambulance, emergency services, and passenger and cargo transport. The aircraft offers innovative solutions for specialised situations, such as fighting bushfires. According to ARENA, the aviation sector contributes to 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with nearly a fifth coming from short-haul flights under 1,000km.
The Australian Government has provided additional support for the development of Vertiia through the Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships program.
According to ARENA CEO Darren Miller, the project exemplifies Australian innovators leading in developing renewable energy solutions.
“Developing low emissions air transport will require a variety of solutions, including hydrogen and battery electric. AMSL’s work on the Vertiia is truly pioneering in this space,” Miller said.
“For end users like emergency services, and personal and cargo transport, this technology is an exciting prospect for cutting emissions and costs from air transport,” he added.
AMSL Aero Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer Andrew Moore commented, “The significant funding provided by ARENA will mean that we can accelerate the design, build and certification activities for our long range, hydrogen powered electric Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. It will mean that patients and passengers will have earlier access to the aircraft as a result and will play a key role in decarbonising air transport in Australia and abroad. We are very thankful that ARENA backs companies like ours who are committed to clean technology that will benefit society and our planet.”
The AMSL Aero Vertiia is ARENA’s inaugural project in hydrogen-powered aviation.
