AMSL joins “short list” of companies globally to achieve free flight of passenger EVTOL aircraft

Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designer and manufacturer AMSL Aero says it has passed a major milestone: the first free flight of its Vertiia, conducted on battery power and by remote control in NSW’s Central West region.

In a statement from the company on Monday, it said that since the first untethered flight of Vertiia – which took place earlier this month – the craft has taken off, flown and landed successfully “more than 50 times”.

Only a “short list of global leaders” have achieved free flight so far, according to AMSL, which is the nation’s first company to do so.

The company’s Co-Founder and Chief Engineer (and inventor of Vertiia) Andrew Moore said in a statement: “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.”

It follows developments this year including AMSL’s first order, announced in February, with a deposit placed by Aviation Logistics for ten Vertiias, with an option for another ten. According to the statement on Monday, AMSL now has deposits for 26 machines from civil customers.

AMSL describes the craft as designed to have a range up to 1,000 kilometres using hydrogen as a fuel, able to carry four passengers and a pilot, and able to cruise at 300 kilometres per hour. It added that customers “are planning commercial flights following certification and regulatory approval planned in 2027.”

Hydrogen-powered testing is scheduled for next year.

AMSL was on this title’s Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers list for 2024, published in April this year.

Picture: Andrew Moore

Further reading

AMSL Aero agreement to explore Philippine market

AMSL Aero plans hydrogen supply at Bankstown airport

AMSL Aero secures first customer for VTOL aircraft

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