ARENA backs AMSL Aero’s hydrogen eVTOL plans

AMSL Aero has been awarded $5.43m by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) as part of its Advancing Renewables Program.

The Australian aerospace startup said it will use the funds to continue developing and certifying its hydrogen-powered eVTOL, Vertiia. The grant should take the firm up to the test flying stage and follows MSL’s successful development of a prototype battery-electric version of Vertiia.

Vertiia is ARENA’s first project in hydrogen-powered aviation. CEO Darren Miller said: “AMSL Aero is a homegrown Australian startup tackling one of the many challenges in the transition to net zero. Developing low emissions air transport will require a variety of solutions, including hydrogen and battery electric. AMSL’s work on the Vertiia is truly pioneering in this space. For end users like emergency services, and personal and cargo transport, this technology is an exciting prospect for cutting emissions and costs from air transport.”

Similar in operation to a helicopter and fitted with eight rotors, the Vertiia will be capable of carrying up to five passengers over distances up to 1000km. ASML is looking at air ambulance, emergency services, and passenger and cargo transport use cases for its aircraft. 

AMSL co-founder and CEO, Andrew Moore said: “The significant funding provided by ARENA will mean that we can accelerate the design, build and certification activities for our long range, hydrogen-powered eVTOL aircraft. It will mean that patients and passengers will have earlier access to the aircraft as a result and will play a key role in decarbonising air transport in Australia and abroad. We are very thankful that ARENA backs companies like ours who are committed to clean technology that will benefit society and our planet.”

The development of Vertiia has received additional support from the Australian Government via the Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships programme.