Photo: AMSL Aero
The Vertiia is one of today's most impressive VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft. It's a trailblazer for Australia's AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) and a global industry innovator, claiming to boast the longest range of all VTOLs. This month, it has successfully completed its first free flight on the way to full commercial certification.
Green hydrogen is what allows Vertiia to claim the title of the world's longest-range VTOL. This Australian aircraft is designed to carry up to four passengers (plus the pilot) over 1,000 km (621 miles) with zero emissions at a cruising speed of 300 kph (186 mph). In addition to its capabilities, which are powered by hydrogen-electric propulsion, Vertiia is also an absolute pioneer in Australia.
AMSL Aero, the bold startup that has been developing and testing this aircraft for the past seven years, describes it as "the most complex civil aircraft ever developed in Australia." It's certainly the first passenger-carrying, long-range eVTOL designed and built domestically. Vertiia's first free flight, completed on November 18, is also the first of its kind by an Aussie eVTOL.
Vertiia's first free flight came after extensive previous testing and is a stepping stone for the upcoming flights next year. Then, Vertiia will kick off hydrogen-fueled flights. So far, it has relied exclusively on battery power, including this first free flight demonstration, which was carried out in the Central West region of New South Wales.
AMSL Aero is also doing pretty well commercially, with more pre-orders for 26 aircraft units so far. The bulk of these pre-orders comes from Aviation Logistics, which operates three important brands in Australia: Air Link, AirMed and Chartair. The versatile Vertiia will be operated not only as a passenger aircraft, but also for medical emergencies and air cargo. All of these fields need the benefits of a new-generation aircraft that is able to combine zero emissions with an extended range.
Additionally, Australia is one of those places where AAM can make a huge difference in connecting people and resources from remote, difficult-to-reach areas. And, if it can be done without impacting the environment and with lower maintenance costs, all the better.
AMSL Aero was founded by husband and wife Andrew Moore and Siobhan Lyndon. Moore used his extensive background in the aircraft industry to invent and refine the Vertiia aircraft concept, while Lyndon added her valuable expertise in technology and telecommunications.
This long-range hydrogen-electric VTOL promises to use less energy per seat than a high-speed train and to operate at a lower noise level (65-70 decibels) than standard aircraft. It also requires just ten minutes to refuel and isn't dependent on airport infrastructure. From a financial point of view, it claims to drastically lower operational costs by up to 70% compared to current helicopters.
The Aussie long-range VTOL is set to enter commercial service after 2027.
AMSL Aero, the bold startup that has been developing and testing this aircraft for the past seven years, describes it as "the most complex civil aircraft ever developed in Australia." It's certainly the first passenger-carrying, long-range eVTOL designed and built domestically. Vertiia's first free flight, completed on November 18, is also the first of its kind by an Aussie eVTOL.
Vertiia's first free flight came after extensive previous testing and is a stepping stone for the upcoming flights next year. Then, Vertiia will kick off hydrogen-fueled flights. So far, it has relied exclusively on battery power, including this first free flight demonstration, which was carried out in the Central West region of New South Wales.
AMSL Aero is also doing pretty well commercially, with more pre-orders for 26 aircraft units so far. The bulk of these pre-orders comes from Aviation Logistics, which operates three important brands in Australia: Air Link, AirMed and Chartair. The versatile Vertiia will be operated not only as a passenger aircraft, but also for medical emergencies and air cargo. All of these fields need the benefits of a new-generation aircraft that is able to combine zero emissions with an extended range.
Additionally, Australia is one of those places where AAM can make a huge difference in connecting people and resources from remote, difficult-to-reach areas. And, if it can be done without impacting the environment and with lower maintenance costs, all the better.
AMSL Aero was founded by husband and wife Andrew Moore and Siobhan Lyndon. Moore used his extensive background in the aircraft industry to invent and refine the Vertiia aircraft concept, while Lyndon added her valuable expertise in technology and telecommunications.
This long-range hydrogen-electric VTOL promises to use less energy per seat than a high-speed train and to operate at a lower noise level (65-70 decibels) than standard aircraft. It also requires just ten minutes to refuel and isn't dependent on airport infrastructure. From a financial point of view, it claims to drastically lower operational costs by up to 70% compared to current helicopters.
The Aussie long-range VTOL is set to enter commercial service after 2027.
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