Australian agency introduces patented modular vertipad to deal with FAA security considerations and battery hearth dangers
Skyportz, a worldwide chief in vertiport design and analysis, has introduced that it’s going to supply free entry to its patented modular vertipad design to U.S. firms taking part within the White Home’s new eVTOL pilot initiative. The supply is meant to assist the USA’ ambition to take a management position within the international Superior Air Mobility (AAM) market.
The supply comes because the U.S. continues to prioritize infrastructure improvement to assist the way forward for electrical air taxis, and as regulatory our bodies, together with the FAA, define new security parameters for vertipad design.
Tackling Important AAM Infrastructure Challenges
Skyportz’s modular vertipad addresses two of probably the most urgent points for city vertiports: managing rotor downwash/outwash and efficient battery hearth suppression.
The FAA’s Engineering Temporary 105A, printed in January, highlights the significance of managing wind generated by eVTOL plane throughout takeoff and touchdown. Particularly, the FAA recommends a security zone round touchdown surfaces wherever wind speeds exceed 34.5 mph. Skyportz’s patent consists of a number of adjustable peak settings for each the FATO (Remaining Method and Takeoff space) and surrounding surfaces, together with a movable blast display screen to assist scale back wind depth. This may considerably lower the footprint required for secure operations—probably permitting a number of vertipads to be put in aspect by aspect.
Within the occasion of a hearth brought on by battery thermal runaway, Skyportz’s design features a submerged pit beneath the touchdown floor. This enables for full water immersion of the plane, offering a fast and conclusive hearth suppression technique whereas containing the water to stop environmental contamination. The present different—ready for battery fires to burn out—can shut down operations for prolonged intervals.
A International Patent and U.S. Collaboration
“Our patented vertipad solves key boundaries to secure and scalable vertiport operations,” mentioned Clem Newton-Brown, CEO of Skyportz. “We’re providing this resolution for free of charge to U.S. firms aligned with the White Home’s push for electrical air taxi management. It’s a extremely inexpensive and science-backed product, and we’re excited to share it.”
To additional develop the expertise, Skyportz has initiated a retail capital increase in Australia. The funds will assist analysis by Swinburne College and Sophrodyne Aerospace, a agency specializing in eVTOL downwash and outwash modeling.
Dr. Richard Brown, CEO of Sophrodyne Aerospace, praised Skyportz’s scientific rigor:
“Skyportz is severe concerning the science behind vertiport design. Their methodical and evidence-based strategy makes their expertise extremely reliable in each engineering and enterprise phrases.”
Dr. Brown has been working with the FAA and UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to mannequin downwash results for plane reminiscent of Joby and Archer.
A world patent defending Skyportz’s vertipad design was filed on June 6, 2025. The corporate intends to license the expertise globally.
Learn extra:
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, knowledgeable drone companies market, and a fascinated observer of the rising drone trade and the regulatory atmosphere for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles centered on the business drone house and is a world speaker and acknowledged determine within the trade. Miriam has a level from the College of Chicago and over 20 years of expertise in excessive tech gross sales and advertising and marketing for brand spanking new applied sciences.
For drone trade consulting or writing, E-mail Miriam.
TWITTER:@spaldingbarker
Subscribe to DroneLife right here.
