An Australian company, AMSL Aero has unveiled in Sydney this week what is believed to be the world’s first electric powered air ambulance.
The Vertiia prototype has been designed to take-off vertically, like a helicopter, but once airborne, flies with the aid of fixed wings, in the same way as a plane does. AMSL Aero says that this combination provides the aircraft with significant flexibility in where it can land, while also providing greater speed and energy efficiency.
The machine is the brainchild of AMSL Aero co-founders Andrew Moore and Siobhan Lyndon.
“I remember growing up and watching the Jetsons and marveling at that futuristic technology. It’s right here, right now and it’s happening,” Deputy Prime Minister and transport minister Michael McCormack said at the launch..
Vertiia will instantly enable greater access to medical services for vulnerable remote, rural, and regional communities by carrying patients directly to the hospital, significantly reducing the complexity and transport times.
Mr Moore says that the aircraft would reach a cruising speed of up to 300 km/h and a range of up to 250km as an all- battery/ electric model while a hydrogen fuelled version can achieve a range of up to 800km. It will also be quieter and safer than helicopters, and will eventually cost as little as a car to maintain and run.
Michael McCormack (left), with AMSL Aero co-founders Andrew Moore and Siobhan Lyndon with their nifty little invention..
The Vertiia prototype has been designed to take-off vertically, like a helicopter, but once airborne, flies with the aid of fixed wings, in the same way as a plane does. AMSL Aero says that this combination provides the aircraft with significant flexibility in where it can land, while also providing greater speed and energy efficiency.
The machine is the brainchild of AMSL Aero co-founders Andrew Moore and Siobhan Lyndon.
“I remember growing up and watching the Jetsons and marveling at that futuristic technology. It’s right here, right now and it’s happening,” Deputy Prime Minister and transport minister Michael McCormack said at the launch..
Vertiia will instantly enable greater access to medical services for vulnerable remote, rural, and regional communities by carrying patients directly to the hospital, significantly reducing the complexity and transport times.
Mr Moore says that the aircraft would reach a cruising speed of up to 300 km/h and a range of up to 250km as an all- battery/ electric model while a hydrogen fuelled version can achieve a range of up to 800km. It will also be quieter and safer than helicopters, and will eventually cost as little as a car to maintain and run.
Michael McCormack (left), with AMSL Aero co-founders Andrew Moore and Siobhan Lyndon with their nifty little invention..
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