What is VTOL?
VTOL is an acronym for Vertical Takeoff and Landing, and refers to vehicles that are able to take off and land (like a helicopter), but typically operate like a fixed wing aircraft for horizontal flight.
Some of the most famous contemporary examples are the B-variant of the F-35 Lightning 2, and the V-22 Osprey.
As shown in video’s here, these platforms are extremely advanced and their VTOL modes involve a number of very complex mechanisms.
What is eVTOL?
The “e” in eVTOL refers to the power system, which in this case are electric as opposed to fossil fuel.
Advances in battery technology have improved the energy density and performance of electric systems to the point where short-range, zero-emissions flights are possible.
There are a huge range of possible configurations available that can leverage this new opportunity, and as shown in the video’s to the left a number of amazing platforms already exist.
Why are we developing an eVTOL?
There are 2 primary reasons for this program:
As a country, we’re falling behind in strategically critical areas. One of these strategically critical areas is Uncrewed Arial Systems (UAS).
The development of a cluster of advanced manufacturing excellence will be underpinned by reaching a critical mass of talent, which is built by a constant stream of contemporary skilled, highly interdisciplinary technicians and engineers that have been trained in a future-industry context.
This program aims to engage with both of these issues.
Why have we chosen this eVTOL configuration?
There are a lot of considerations that go into any airframe, and this one is no different. We’ve aimed to minimise mechanical complexity and maximise structural efficiency whilst integrating a well known and understood VTOL method (in the form of a quadcopter).
This won’t necessarily suit every possible mission profile, and it’s not meant to. We think it will find a few applications in ISR (intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance), Freight, Fire Fighting, and eventually - Personal Transport.