A Sydney-based aerospace startup, AMSL Aero, has secured $5.43 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to develop a hydrogen-powered electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft that could transform regional air transport in Australia.

The company, founded in 2017 by husband and wife team Andrew Moore and Siobhan Lyndon, has already created a battery-electric version of the aircraft called Vertiia, which can fly up to 250 km at 300 km/h. However, to extend the range and versatility of the aircraft, they are now working on integrating hydrogen fuel cell technology, which could enable it to fly up to 1,000 km.

Vertiia, which has eight tilting wings and eight rotors, can take off and land like a helicopter, making it suitable for various applications, such as emergency services, air ambulance, and freight and passenger transport. It can carry up to five people and operate on demand between regional locations. The company aims to launch the aircraft commercially by 2026.

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