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AMSL Aero has received $5.43 million in Federal Government funding for its Vertiia electric VTOL aircraft.
The green aviation company will use the grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to develop hydrogen fuel cell technology, enabling Vertiia to reach a range of up to 1,000km for applications such as emergency services as well as passenger and cargo transport.
Vertiia, which has eight tilting wings and can carry up to four passengers plus pilot, is capable of taking off from helipads or similar-sized landing sites and can conduct on-demand services between regional locations, at speeds of up to 300km/h with a 250km battery or 1,000km hydrogen range. It is slated for commercial release in 2026.
“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 (eVTOL) aircraft,” said AMSL founder and CEO Andrew Moore.
“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.”
ARENA CEO Darren Miller hailed the project as an example of local renewable energy innovation.
“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,” he 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.”
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the Government is also investing $2.5 billion to get a domestic hydrogen industry off the ground, and said hydrogen will play a major role in the nation’s transport future.
“AMSL’s aircraft could become an important tool for emergency services personnel, particularly as we face more frequent natural disasters.
“Green hydrogen and other sustainable aviation fuels are vital to help decarbonise the hard-to-abate aviation sector, now accounting for around 2.5% of global emissions.”
Listen to our podcast interview with CareFlight CEO Mick Frewen, discussing how the aeromedical charity’s partnership with AMSL Aero on Vertiia will enable it to deliver better services.
