This significant flight represents the first free flight achievement by an Australian-designed and produced eVTOL - a new class of aircraft that combines helicopter-like vertical takeoff and landing with the efficiency of fixed-wing flight. Since this milestone untethered flight earlier this month, Vertiia has completed over 50 successful takeoffs, flights, and landings.
Vertiia stands as the most advanced civil aircraft ever developed in Australia, designed for a range of up to 1,000 km powered by hydrogen, maintaining a cruising speed of 300 km/hour with zero emissions. The aircraft can accommodate four passengers and a pilot. AMSL Aero's customers are aiming for the launch of commercial operations post-certification and regulatory approvals, projected for 2027.
The recent test flight, powered by battery and controlled remotely, took place in New South Wales' Central West region, adhering to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) standards. Hydrogen-powered flight trials for Vertiia are set to commence in 2025, following AMSL Aero's record-breaking 2023 achievement of the first tethered battery-powered hover.
In 2024, AMSL Aero secured deposits for 26 Vertiia units, with major commitments from civil operators like Aviation Logistics, which manages the Air Link, AirMed, and Chartair brands. These companies provide diverse services including passenger transport, aircraft charters, cargo, and medical flights throughout Australia.
AMSL Aero Co-Founder, Chief Engineer, and Vertiia creator Andrew Moore stated, "Watching Vertiia take to the sky in free flight was a breathtaking experience for our incredible team of engineers and me. This landmark is proof that the design we pioneered seven years ago works, and it moves us closer to our goal of improving the lives of remote, rural and regional communities in Australia and around the world with an aircraft that conquers the tyranny of distance with zero emissions."
Max York, AMSL Aero's Chief Executive, added, "Today marks a huge milestone on AMSL Aero's journey and places the company on a very short list of global leaders in advanced eVTOL development. Very few aircraft companies build a full-scale aircraft and get it safely off the ground. What AMSL Aero has achieved with a small, focused team is incredible and shows what can be done when you have a clear vision and amazing talent."
Related Links
AMSL Aero
Aerospace News at SpaceMart.com
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