New Powerplant Optimized for Hybrid-Electric Applications

Founded in  2017 by Eric Bartsch, Pat Anderson, and Erik Lindbergh (grandson of famed aviation pioneer Charles Lindbergh) for purpose of accelerating the electrification of flight, Verdego sets out to combine conventional propulsion architectures with next-generation electric technologies.

Of late, Verdego has been about the business of developing the VH-3 powerplant, an efficient means by which to convert the chemical-energy of liquid fuels—e.g., Jet-A, JP-8, SAF, e-fuels—into electricity. The hybrid-electric powerplant comprises a reciprocating aero-engine, power electronics, control systems, and thermal management systems, the integration of which occasions highly-efficient, long-duration energy output.

While evolving the VH-3 engine, Verdego collaborated with Safran subsidiary SMA Engines to develop a version of the latter concern’s SMA SR-305 diesel aircraft engine optimized for powering the internal-combustion facet of Verdego’s hybrid-electric solution.

After more than two-years of development, Verdego and SMA have proudly unveiled the SMA SR-305-VDG engine, the increased power-output and diminished mass and volume of which dramatically benefit Verdego’s hybrid-electric powerplants—for use in which the SMA mill is exclusively produced.

VerdeGo Aero CEO Eric Bartsch set forth: “Creating an optimal hybrid powerplant requires careful alignment of all of the major components to ensure they function efficiently and reliably together. Collaboration with SMA has enabled VerdeGo to increase the performance of the VH-3-185 hybrid powerplant while reducing the weight and size of the system.”

Mr. Bartsch continued: “Combining the engineering capabilities at both companies has been critical for delivering a hybrid powerplant that addresses the needs of VerdeGo’s customers who are creating some of the highest-performance electric aircraft in the world.”

Jörg Erdmann, COO of SMA parent company Röder Präzision GmbH, stated: “We are very happy to have found a partner in VerdeGo who has recognized the potential of the engine for hybrid applications. We are very confident that this new version of the engine will form the powertrain for several new electric aircraft that require an energy density currently unattainable with battery technology. We also see great market potential with regards to the possibility of using sustainable aviation fuels and supporting lower carbon emissions in the aviation.”

VerdeGo Aero’s VH-3 hybrid powerplant incorporating SMA’s SR-305-VDG engine will be on display at EAA AirVenture 2023 in the USAF AFWERX booth.

FMI: www.verdegoaero.com