Australian government announces new funding for BVLOS drone and eVTOL research

Enhanced beyond line of visual sight (BVLOS) drone operations, electric aircraft charging systems, airspace regulation, hydrogen-powered aircraft and cargo drone operations are all research projects to received AUD13 million in federal funding, announced today.

“Funded under Round 2 of the Australian Government’s Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships program, these projects will focus on supporting technology that can grow manufacturing and the use of digital technology in farming, enhance regional connectivity with national supply chains, and improve outcomes for regional and remote First Nations communities,” said a government press release. “This includes investing in drones for use in humanitarian air and disaster recovery operations, delivering cargo services across regional and remote Australia, and transporting health products to First Nations communities across the Torres Strait. The funding will also invest in uncrewed aircraft, including trialling large remotely-piloted aircraft as an automated, zero-emissions solution for large-scale farm spraying in regional and remote areas. A number of projects will explore renewable or low emission energy sources for these aviation technologies, including developing an electric motor and high-powered electric aircraft charger. This builds on a AUD18 million investment for 12 projects under the program’s first round, which is already supporting critical projects such as air ambulance trials in regional Australia and developing a more efficient propeller design for emerging and traditional aircraft.”