18-Jul-2022 Source: VSTAR Aviation
The next generation of aircraft could be seen operating in Australian skies as early as 2023.
Known as eVTOL or “Powered Lift”, these unique and cleverly designed aircraft combine the versatility of a helicopter with the range and speed of a traditional fixed-wing aircraft.
These aircraft are not just nimble and quick. Their unique design uses a new power system that makes them clean, efficient and a lot less expensive to run.
The result is cheaper and more flexible aviation solutions for regional domestic travel, tourism, aeromedical and Search & Rescue Services and commercial transport.
Imagine a 45minute flight from Adelaide to Pt Lincoln costing just $85 or a 20minute tourism flight from the Adelaide Parklands to the Barossa costing just $40 per person.
The aircraft design has been in use with the American Military for 20 years; however, this is the first time-Powered Lift has been developed for domestic applications.
Two leading South Australia aviation businesses have come together to realise the unique opportunity in this embryonic market and, in turn, change how we view air travel in Australia.
The new venture is called VSTAR AVIATION, and it’s the collaboration of three South Australian businessmen with significant experience in defence, commercial and search and rescue operations around the globe.
Their unique skill set has already seen the company establish agreements with major OEMs in the US and Europe with options on three different powered lift aircraft designs.
VSTAR Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder Tony Laws said, “these new aircraft designs will change the way we approach regional travel and transport in Australia. Anywhere we need to get people and equipment quickly and cheaply is where these aeroplanes come in”.
In an Australian first, VSTAR can announce its partnership with Swiss company Dufour Aerospace, which will give the new venture early access to these ‘next-generation aircraft’.
Dufour is among the world’s leading companies in aircraft electric propulsion systems, and they have applied their hybrid-electric power systems to new aircraft designs.
Dufour’s Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Pfammatter, said, “We are very much looking forward to exploring the many opportunities for deploying unmanned and manned tilt-wing aircraft in Australia. The formation of V-Star Powered Lift Aviation marks an important milestone in this journey. We are proud to be working with such an experienced team to move sustainable aviation forward.”
VSTAR have also had initial discussions with the Government of South Australia about a trade delegation in 2023 to look at Australian first trials and the possibility of advanced manufacturing based in Adelaide.
Tony Laws said, “South Australia’s climate, geography and infrastructure make it an ideal location for testing and potential manufacturing”.
VSTAR Aviation will provide:
