More than $18 million for emerging aviation technology partnerships

The Australian Government has partnered with industry to ensure the take-up of emerging aviation technology in Australia, with more than $18 million awarded for 12 projects under the first round of the Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships (EATP) program.

The EATP program commits $32.6 million to June 2024 to make Australian aviation more competitive, efficient and sustainable.

The remaining funding will be allocated as part of Round 2.

Grants supported under Round 1 of the program support a range of projects that include development into digital farming, boosting regional supply chains, connecting regional communities and growing manufacturing in emerging aviation technology.

Applications were assessed through an open and competitive grant process.

More information on the EATP can be found on the department’s website.

A list of successful projects can be found below.

Quote attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“The Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships Program will ensure our aviation sector remains at the forefront of innovation as it continues to develop and grow, particularly with the renewed focus on achieving net zero carbon emissions.

“This program will directly support regional communities in improving health services and connections, as well as enhancing the capabilities of Australian businesses in delivering new aviation operations with increased technical complexity.”

Quote attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown:

“The EATP program will boost employment in the aviation sector, as well as contribute to the digital transformation of Australian businesses by encouraging adoption of emerging aviation technologies to address community needs, particularly in regional Australia.

“The program also aims to identify and address regulatory and other barriers present within the sector.”

Funded projects – EATP Round 1: 

Recipient

Project description

State

AMSL Aero

Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturing focusing on regulatory barriers and trials of air ambulance in regional NSW.

NSW

Praxis Labs

Develop structural solar surfaces for the wings of an upcoming fleet of Australian electric aircraft.

SA

Hover UAV - SORA-Mate

Develop an online risk assessment tool for drone operators.

All

Central QLD University

Develop and trial a prototype drone system capable of AI driven weed detection and herbicide spraying (digital farming).

QLD

Wedgetail Aerospace Pty Ltd

Large Drone operations in regional Australia including pilot and maintenance qualifications, capability verification and validation.

WA

Charles Darwin University

Trial of drone service delivery for health-related items between health centres, remote indigenous communities and very remote outstations in NT. The project will test and validate the effectiveness, efficiency, community acceptance and costs of integrating uncrewed aircraft into health supply chains.

NT

Revolution Aerospace Pty Ltd

Research to support and conduct trials to deliver cargo in Whitsunday region using a variety of drones, delivery distances and delivery scenarios; trials to simulate air taxi operations in the Whitsunday region, and research to develop enhanced uncrewed traffic management services..

QLD and VIC

Field Master Systems Pty Ltd DFSS

Integrating thermal imaging into drones to detect feral pests.

VIC

Swinburne University of Technology (Air Hub)

Design and integrate a hydrogen fuel cell into a drone, with ground and flight testing.

VIC, NSW

Marlee Djinda Pty Ltd

Build, certify and integrate a drone with cameras and sensors to deliver a Landcare management program on the lands of the Kanpa community within the Ngaanyatjarra Aboriginal Land Council in Western Australia.

WA

Swoop Aero Pty Ltd

Roll out a large-scale multi-role drone logistics network commencing in the Darling Downs south west region and expanding into south east QLD and northern NSW focusing on pathology and medical logistics.

QLD/NSW

XROTOR Pty Ltd

Development, testing and trialling of a new propeller design for both emerging and traditional aircraft with reduced noise impact and higher propulsion efficiency compared to traditional propellers.

VIC