Skyportz has released a new version of its patented vertipad this week during a private Australian airport operator briefing. The international patent application was filed on 6 June 2025, covering all global rights under PCT/AU2025/050601.

The revised vertipad addresses downwash and outwash, as well as fire suppression. These airflow challenges were highlighted by the FAA’s January 2025 Engineering Brief 105A, which stated that vertipads must include wind safety zones where winds exceed 34.5 mph.

The new version is designed for airport use and features multiple FATO height settings and an adjustable blast screen. These allow airport operators to fine-tune the pad setup for different aircraft types and reduce wind speeds. This in turn means pads can be placed closer together, improving throughput.

After landing, aircraft can roll to charging bays, keeping the vertipad free for the next arrival. In case of fire, the pad can be flooded to immerse the aircraft and put out battery fires quickly. This prevents long airport shutdowns, as the alternative is to wait for battery thermal runaway to end.

Skyportz CEO Clem Newton-Brown said: “We are very excited to be able to offer this patented vertipad solution to airports around the world looking at introducing electric air taxis to their sites. There are some significant issues for airports to address if they plan to join the advanced air mobility network and our patent solves the major issues in a highly affordable product.”

A retail fundraising round was also launched this week to support R&D efforts at Swinburne University and Sophrodyne Aerospace. The latter is a specialist in eVTOL airflow modelling.

Dr Richard Brown from Sophrodyne Aerospace said: “What impresses me about Skyportz is its willingness to engage with the science. Skyportz' willingness to proceed with its design through a proper sequence of scientifically-validated steps sets it well apart and above its competitors, particularly in terms of the trust that I would place in its product and the faith that I would attach to its technical and business plans."

Skyportz intends to licence the manufacturing and distribution of the vertipad into all global markets as they develop.