AMSL Aero partners with F1 tech company Conflux

AMSL Aero, the zero-emission aircraft designer and manufacturer, has partnered with Formula 1 car engine cooling provider Conflux Technology to pioneer long-range, zero-emissions flights over up to 1,000 kilometres at Formula 1 car speeds. AMSL Aero said it will use Conflux Technology’s advanced heat transfer innovation to cool the hydrogen fuel cells that power its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, Vertiia, which will cruise at speeds of 300 km/h. Vertiia will make its first flights on hydrogen-electric power later this year, using Conflux Technology’s cooling technology. This will mark a major step towards AMSL Aero’s goal to manufacture the world’s first long-range passenger-capable hydrogen VTOL. AMSL Aero chairman Chris Smallhorn said: “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. AMSL Aero is committed to Victoria for future development of Vertiia and Conflux is one Victoria’s industrial champions, making the Avalon Air Show the ideal place for us to unveil this partnership.” The first phase of the project has been completed, which focused on developing three innovative heat exchanger concepts aimed to minimise weight and volume while effectively managing the continuous heat loads experienced during flight. Following the success of this phase, the project moves into the second phase, where the team will optimise and manufacture a full proof-of-concept assembly to integrate into Vertiia’s hydrogen fuel cell system. Michael Fuller, CEO & Founder of Conflux Technology, said: “ Hydrogen fuel cells are shaping the future of sustainable aviation, and thermal management is critical to their performance. 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.” Simon Coburn, a Hydrogen Systems Engineer at AMSL Aero, said: “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.” The Conflux Technology cooling solution will be optimised to provide cooling for high transient heat loads experienced during Vertiia’s vertical take-off, landing and hover operations. Weight, performance and packaging size are key constraints for aeronautical hydrogen powertrains and geometrical freedoms granted by additive manufacturing means heat exchangers for these systems can be lightweight and conform to the space available. Conflux Technology’s unique thin-walled, patented designs deliver thermal performance and low drag. Hydrogen-electric flight prepares for lift off in New Zealand Stralis Aircraft, Fabrum and Ara Ake are collaborating to advance hydrogen-powered aviation by designing, developing and testing liquid-hydrogen storage tanks and a fuel system for Stralis aircraft. The partnership aims to enable Australasia’s first liquid-hydrogen-powered flight – and support the transition toward zero-emission aviation. Australian company Stralis Aircraft, which develops high-performance, low-operating-cost hydrogen-electric propulsion systems, will integrate Fabrum’s tanks and fuel system into its aircraft. New Zealand company Fabrum, which specialises in zero-emission transition technology, will provide lightweight composite tanks and dispensing systems, essential enablers for hydrogen-powered aircraft. The project is supported by Ara Ake, New Zealand’s future energy centre, and aligns with Fabrum’s recently announced hydrogen testing facility at Christchurch International Airport. “Our hydrogen liquefier provides readily available liquid hydrogen onsite, allowing the capability to access the critical fuel source to prove and test the tanks and fuel system we are developing for Stralis and their fixed-wing fuel-cell electric aircraft,” said Christopher Boyle, Managing Director of Fabrum. “With Ara Ake support, we are excited to be delivering our light-weight composite tanks and fuel system for Stralis to advance the future of hydrogen-powered flight.” The collaboration also aims to strengthen industry ties between New Zealand and Australia. The project will build expertise in liquid-hydrogen storage refuelling, and aircraft integration, contributing to New Zealand’s growing role in hydrogen aviation. “This project is a strong example of Ara Ake’s role in connecting leading organisations across countries to advance real-world clean energy solutions,” said Cristiano Marantes, CEO of Ara Ake. “By enabling this initiative, we’re supporting the first hydrogen-electric demonstration with liquid hydrogen and positioning New Zealand as a global testbed for sustainable aviation innovation.” Stralis’ fuel-cell technology is significantly lighter than existing alternatives, potentially enabling aircraft to fly ten times further than battery-electric solutions at a lower cost than fossil-fuel-powered planes. The company is already testing its hydrogen-electric propulsion systems with a team that has deep expertise in electric-aircraft development. 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