AMSL Aero has announced a partnership with Melbourne-based Conflux Technology to develop advanced cooling solutions for its hydrogen-powered electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, Vertiia.
The collaboration was revealed at the Avalon Air Show in Melbourne, as revealed in a media release.
AMSL Aero will integrate Conflux Technology’s advanced heat transfer solutions, originally developed for Formula 1 car engine cooling, into Vertiia’s hydrogen fuel cell system.
The aircraft, which takes off and lands like a helicopter but cruises like a fixed-wing aeroplane, is designed to reach speeds of 300 km/h and travel distances of up to 1,000 kilometres.
“In Vertiia, we are building a hydrogen-electric aircraft that flies record-breaking distances at Formula 1 speeds, making Conflux Technology, with its storied history of innovation in motorsport and aviation, the perfect partner for us,” said AMSL Aero chairman Chris Smallhorn.
The partnership follows Vertiia’s historic first free flights in late 2024, with its first hydrogen-electric powered flights expected later this year.
The project has completed its initial phase, which involved the development of three heat exchanger concepts designed to manage the continuous heat loads encountered during flight.
The next phase will focus on optimising and manufacturing a proof-of-concept assembly for integration into Vertiia’s fuel cell system.
“Hydrogen fuel cells are shaping the future of sustainable aviation, and thermal management is critical to their performance,” said Michael Fuller, CEO and founder of Conflux Technology.
“By integrating our advanced heat exchange technology with Vertiia’s fuel cells, we’re optimising efficiency and driving the next generation of clean aviation solutions.”
The cooling technology, designed for high transient heat loads during vertical take-offs, landings, and hovering, will leverage additive manufacturing techniques to create lightweight and aerodynamically efficient heat exchangers.
“This collaboration is a major step in ensuring Vertiia’s hydrogen fuel cells perform at their best, enabling us to unlock the aircraft’s full potential and push the boundaries of zero-emissions aviation,” said Simon Coburn, a hydrogen systems engineer at AMSL Aero.
