VerdeGo Aero Awarded “USD1.9 Million from USAF to Develop First Prototype VH‑3 Hybrid-Electric Powerplant”
VerdeGo Aero has been awarded a USD1.9 million Sequential Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) contract with the U.S Air Force (USAF) to build and test the first prototype VH‑3 (185 kW) hybrid-electric powerplant that conforms to a production-intent configuraton, reports a press release.
The award was issued by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Centre Mobility Directorate (AFLCMC/WLM) in cooperaton with AFWERX, supported by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).
The release explains, “To address the challenge of bridging the gap between Phase II and Phase III development, the Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) and TACFI programs were introduced. The 24-month TACFI effort builds upon the advanced risk-reduction work VerdeGo Aero performed under a previous AFWERX Direct to Phase II award.”
The contract will result in the completion and trialling of the first production VH‑3 hybrid powerplant that builds on refinements from full-scale prototypes operational since 2020. Following the testing of this version, VerdeGo will have the capability to deliver small volumes of hybrid power sources to clients requiring energy for their ground and flight test programs.
The release continues, “The VH‑3 has been under development for two years with substantial risk reduction already completed for many features and systems. Integrated hybrid powerplant testing will be conducted under this award, allowing confirmation of performance, efficiency, and initial durability.”
Dave Spitzer, VP of Product Development, remarked, “Everyone at VerdeGo is excited to see the final pieces fall into place to launch the ultra-high-efficiency VH‑3–185 piston hybrid product. The eVTOL world has been waiting for the incredible efficiency and hybrid power capability of this design, and completion is now clearly in sight.”
The release adds, “This breakthrough enables the company to implement refinements that have been developed on the VH‑3 program including the motor/generator, heat exchangers, driveline, cooling systems and control systems. The fully integrated system will be capable of interfacing with on-board aircraft electronics and control systems and manage all functions of the VH‑3.”
Eric Bartsch, company CEO, commented, “We are excited to take the next step in refining the VH‑3 hybrid-electric powerplant as we advance towards low-volume production. It is a critical enabler for electrified drone and aircraft programs requiring an efficient source of power for missions that require significant range, payload and speed capabilities.”
Eric Bartsch
Both military and civilian aircraft programs have shown interest in this dual-use powerplant that substantially increases the utility of electrified flight. Operational and initial durability testing is to be performed on the adapted unit at VerdeGo’s R&D facilities in Daytona Beach, Florida.
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(Top image: VerdeGo Aero Team)
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