The U.S. Air Force’s Afwerx innovation unit has awarded VerdeGo Aero a $1.24 million contract for the development and testing of a hybrid-electric propulsion system that could power military aircraft. Under the Phase 2 small business innovation research (SBIR) contract, the Air Force aims to test VerdeGo’s VH-4T-RD turbine hybrid powerplant in experimental uncrewed aircraft, including eVTOL models.
VerdeGo says it has already begun building its first prototype of the powerplant and intends to begin testing the 380-kilowatt system in May. It has set up a full-scale “iron bird” ground test rig operational at its research and development center in Daytona Beach, Florida, a company spokesperson told AIN. The company expects the subsequent production version of the VH-4T to have a greater power output of 415 kilowatts.
“The goal is that, at the end of this effort, the VH-4T-RD will have demonstrated its suitability for flight testing in experimental, unmanned applications,” said Dave Spitzer, VerdeGo’s head of product development. “Hybrid-electric power is really a requirement for military-focused electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft since military missions typically involve round trips. Batteries alone can’t provide the necessary range, especially [...] in remote locations where charging infrastructure is lacking.”
In 2021, VerdeGo introduced the 185-kilowatt VH-3, a piston-powered hybrid-electric powerplant intended for urban air mobility applications such as eVTOL air taxis. Several aircraft manufacturers have selected the VH-3 to power their hybrid-electric models, including Jaunt Air Mobility’s Journey eVTOL vehicle and XTI’s six-seat TriFan 600 eVTOL air taxi. In late 2020, Airflow selected VerdeGo's powertrain for its planned eSTOL aircraft, but the California-based start-up was subsequently acquired by Electra.
“The high power density of the VH-4T will provide the performance needed to deliver the range, speed, and payload required to make the next generation of electric aircraft compelling and practical,” added David Eichstedt, VerdeGo’s v-p of product management.
VerdeGo is also collaborating with Pratt & Whitney to develop propulsion systems for advanced air mobility applications, particularly in the business aviation sector. Raytheon Technologies, Pratt & Whitney's parent company, was the lead investor in a $12 million Series A funding round VerdeGo held in 2022.
This article was amended on April 20 to remove an incorrect reference to Electra’s eSTOL aircraft, which will not use VerdeGo's propulsion system. Safran Helicopter Engines is working with Electra on the hybrid-electric powertrain for its production aircraft.