Australian eVTOL Sees Development with Air Ambulance Operator CareFlight

AMSL, an Australian eVTOL company, has seen increased interest following its February test flight of the all-electric Vertiia.

The multirotor aircraft is slated to have a range somewhere in the neighborhood of 250 km (~155 sm) and a cruise speed up to 300 km/h (161 kts) in its first battery-powered form. Eventually, AMSL plans to release a hydrogen-powered iteration of the Vertiia for increased range and quick refueling. The operator plans to begin Vertiia operations sometime in t 2026, with a 1 pilot/4 passenger layout in the standard model, and a cargo version with a 500 kg (1,102 lb) payload.

At the recent Avalon Air Show, another Australian company, CareFlight, showed off their own aeromedical mockup of the Vertiia. Their fuselage-only model showed off its patient and specialist accommodations, with enough room for a rear-facing seat and stretcher. While the Vertiia may not be the perfect tool for rural outback use until it gets some longer legs.

In the right environment, however, its easy-in, easy-out VTOL capabilities could be lifesaving. Of particular note to medical personnel was the easy access, wide access door of the Vertiia, according to CareFlight CEO Mick Frewen.

“We love the huge doors on the Vertiia. The doorway is two meters wide, which is wider than on any aircraft we operate.”

“They developed the rapid response helicopter service in Australia, so we are hugely grateful to them for their expertise," said co-founder of AMSL Siobhan Lyndon.

“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.”

FMI: www.vertiia.com