“A cutting-edge fleet of airborne firefighters” – this is how Mark York, the CEO of AMSL Aero, described the potential use of multiple unmanned aircraft to extinguish fires. These groups of Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) vehicles could bring significant advantages, ranging from saving lives to extending firefighting operations during nighttime. Currently, Fire Service crews face great risks with each mission and are forced to halt operations in conditions of poor visibility and crowded airspace. Pilotless VTOLs could enhance both safety and efficiency.
To demonstrate this potential, AMSL Aero, the manufacturer of the Vertiia hydrogen-powered VTOL, received a grant from the Cooperative Research Centers. The Australian startup will develop an autonomous version of its flagship aircraft with the support of esteemed institutions such as the University of Sydney, Australian firefighting aviation operator Pay’s Air Service, and robotics company Mission Systems.
The original iteration of the Vertiia aircraft offers significant advantages, including an extended range and high capacity. According to the manufacturer, it is capable of carrying hundreds of liters of water and effectively dispersing fire retardant while covering larger areas without the need for recharging. It is worth noting that any type of emission-free firefighting aircraft carries the long-term benefit of not exacerbating climate change, which is largely responsible for the rise in bushfire incidents.
The addition of autonomous capabilities will allow ground operators to remotely control the Vertiia aircraft. This VTOL is not intended to replace standard firefighting crew operations but rather to serve as a strategic companion. It could assist firefighters in continuing their efforts during nighttime and when they require refueling. Another significant advantage is that the lower costs associated with this type of aircraft will enable the deployment of fleets of VTOLs in multiple areas, as opposed to a limited number of aircraft.
In the near future, self-piloting VTOLs could revolutionize firefighting operations while simultaneously supporting the environment. And what better aircraft to pioneer this innovation in Australia than a locally designed and manufactured model?
Vertiia combines battery technology with green hydrogen power, making it more sustainable than battery-electric VTOLs. It boasts a range of 1,000 km (621 miles), a speed of 300 kph (186 mph), and a maximum payload of up to 500 kg (1,100 lb), claiming to be the world’s most efficient long-range VTOL with zero emissions.
AMSL Aero was established by Andrew Moore and Siobhan Lyndon, a husband and wife team, and is the first environmentally friendly aviation startup of its kind in Australia.
According to the Source autoevolution.com