Australian startup AMSL Aero has received a financial boost of AUD 5.43 million (USD 3.49m/EUR 3.26m) from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to propel the development of its hydrogen-powered electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, named Vertiia, as announced by the agency today.
Resembling a helicopter with its eight rotors, Vertiia is designed to transport up to five passengers across distances of up to 1,000 km (621 miles). Targeting markets such as air ambulance, emergency services, and passenger and cargo transport, the aircraft aims to revolutionize sustainable air travel.
The AUD-10.86-million project encompasses development and certification activities for Vertiia, culminating in a demonstration test flight of the prototype. ARENA highlights that if successful, Vertiia could emerge as one of the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly modes of air travel for distances up to 1,000 km.
Headquartered at Sydneyās Bankstown Airport, AMSL Aero has already achieved a milestone with a prototype battery electric version of the Vertiia aircraft. This funding injection from ARENA marks a significant step toward advancing the development and potential commercialization of this innovative hydrogen-powered eVTOL.
