Australian company AMSL Aero announced today that it has successfully completed the first flight of its Vertiia eVTOL prototype.
The tethered flight, conducted in the Central West of NSW, is thought to be the first ever flight by an Australian designed and built eVTOL.
Vertiia is designed to carry four passengers up to 540 nm and has a cruising speed of around 160 knots, producing zero carbon emissions. It is powered by eight electric motors that enables it to operate from helipad-size landing grounds.
AMSL Aero CEO and Vertiia inventor Andrew Moore noted that it is nearly 130 years since Australian aeronautical pioneer Lawrence Hargrave invented the box kite, upon which the Vertiia’s box-wing design is based.
“As Vertiia lifted off, we felt the same rush of adrenaline that Lawrence Hargrave must have felt nearly 130 years ago," Moore said. "The Vertiia prototype flew better than we expected. It was remarkably smooth and a delight to fly."
AMSL co-founder Siobhan Lyndon believes that Vertiia will be of particular benefit to aeromedical operations, providing greater access to medical services for vulnerable remote, rural and regional communities.
Vertiia is not only safe and quiet, but it was also developed for the harsh long-distance conditions in Australia. If it can work in Australia, it can work anywhere,” she said.
“Unlike aeromedical aeroplanes that require a runway, Vertiia will carry patients directly from any location straight to the hospital, significantly reducing the complexity and time often required to transport vulnerable patients.
"It will also be quieter and safer than helicopters and will eventually cost as little as a car to maintain and run, transforming aeromedical transport into a far more affordable, accessible, safer and reliable option.”
AMSL will continue to develop the Vertiia, with the first aircraft expected to be delivered to customers by 2026.