Skyportz unveiled its Aeroberm modular vertipad prototype at the EVTOL Show in California, advancing its goal to deliver scalable, safe and cost-effective infrastructure for advanced air mobility operations.

Developed with Swinburne University of Technology, Sophrodyne Aerospace, Crinnac Industrial Designers and modular construction specialist Simon McCarthy, the Aeroberm has passed computational and design testing and is now entering fabrication for its first full-scale model.

The Aeroberm patent addresses three main challenges limiting urban vertiport deployment: downwash and outwash, fire risk and noise. The elevated modular platform manages aerodynamic forces from eVTOL operations while reducing noise and integrating fire suppression systems.

Downwash and outwash were highlighted by the FAA in its Engineering Brief 105A, which defined a wind safety zone where speeds exceed 34.5 mph. The Aeroberm will reduce the footprint needed to meet these safety standards.

“This is the first truly scalable vertipad solution designed for global deployment,” says Clem Newton-Brown, CEO of Skyportz. “With the Aeroberm, we're removing the last major barriers to establishing affordable, practical, safe and community-friendly sites for air taxi operations.”

Professor Justin Leontini, Swinburne University, says, “Our detailed CFD modelling has given us a framework to progress to a full-scale prototype incorporating downwash and outwash amelioration. We will now refine the vertipad's aerodynamic and safety performance with the data we collect from real aircraft operations on this prototype.”

Skyportz plans to announce the first Aeroberm deployment locations soon, with partners already engaged in site selection and design adaptation. “We will be offering our IP at no charge to OEMs, vertiport test beds and air safety regulators that want to participate in our ongoing research and development programme,” says Newton-Brown.

Due to its modular design, Aeroberm vertipads can be relocated between sites to meet demand. Newton-Brown adds, “The AAM industry needs a collaborative approach to spark the revolution we have all dreamed of, and this starts with a multitude of low-cost destinations to service those that invest in fleets of aircraft.”