AMSL founders Siobhan Lyndon (L) and Andrew Moore (R) in front of the Vertiia prototype aircraft

AMSL Aero founders Siobhan Lyndon and Andrew Moore in front of the prototype Vertiia aircraft. Credit: Peter Morris/sydneyheads.com

AMSL Aero is developing the world’s most efficient electric and zero-emissions vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft – the Vertiia.

The Vertiia takes off like a helicopter before changing to fly like a plane, which is a more efficient way of flying. Compared to standard aircraft, the Vertiia needs fewer parts and uses cheaper low-emissions energy sources.

The Sydney-based aviation company achieved its first tethered test flight in 2023. The aircraft is continuing its flight test program at present.

Aeronautical engineer and pilot Andrew Moore began developing the craft in 2017, having worked as a helicopter design engineer.

Andrew realised electrification and zero-emissions technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells and batteries could change the aviation industry, especially when partnered with other new technologies like digital flight control. 

Andrew and co-founder Siobhan Lyndon, who has extensive experience in operational management at Google, formed AMSL Aero in 2017 to develop Vertiia.

‘In 10 years’ time, we want to be making 1,000 aircraft a year. We want to be changing the way transport works in this country and around the world.’

- Andrew Moore

AMSL’s concept for zero-emissions aviation came to the attention of IP Group Australia in 2018.

As a venture capital firm working in partnership with major Australian universities, IP Group helped AMSL develop their project into an investment-ready company.

IP Group then invested in AMSL’s first funding round in 2019 and in further rounds as the company has grown.

This relationship between the 2 parties was made possible by the Australian Government’s Venture Capital Limited Partnerships (VCLP) initiative. 

The VCLP program offers tax incentives for venture capital firms to invest in Australian startups in the early stages of commercialising their inventions.

Our department and the Australian Taxation Office jointly administer the program for the Australian Government.

IP Group’s Managing Director, Michael Molinari, says without the VCLP program his firm wouldn’t be able to support local innovations to their full extent.

‘A structure like the VCLP is fundamental to attracting capital, both local and international, into Australia and into our sector to be able to support high-impact deep technology companies to grow.’

- Michael Molinari, Managing Director, IP Group Australia

AMSL Aero has raised more than $50 million from private and government sources and employs around 60 people in its operations. 

The company is working with the Civil Aviation Authority on certification to civil aviation standards.

The first civil use is expected to be offering medical evacuation and essential services to regional and remote Australia. An autonomous version is also in development for the Army to use for casualty evacuation.

AMSL Aero has also received funding from the Australian Government to modify the Vertiia for remotely piloted firefighting.

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