Company to Demonstrate Aircraft Applications of Hybrid Powerplant

Daytona Beach, Florida,- based VerdeGo Aero announced it has been selected for a contract under NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/SBTT) program. 

During the six months of the program the company’s R&D team will perform conceptual design studies of four different electric aircraft types that incorporate the company’s VH-3-185 hybrid-electric powerplant.

The engine is an adaptation of a custom version of the SMA SR305, a horizontally opposed four-cylinder, air-cooled diesel aircraft engine produced by SMA Engines of Bourges, France. It is EASA-certified and FAA-validated. It uses commonly available sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and burns just 10 gallons per hour at full throttle. The engine can also generate 185 kW (249hp) of electricity for electric motors in electric aircraft.

VerdeGo’s VP of Product Development Dave Spitzer said, “The batteries in eVTOL aircraft can provide a lot of power, but not for long periods adding a ton of weight to the aircraft. The VH-3, when paired with three hours of fuel, weighs about 80% less than a battery that could provide the same flight time.”

Eric Bartsch, CEO of VerdeGo Aero said, “VerdeGo Aero is honored to have been selected by NASA for the SBIR Ignite program. The VH-3 is a Hyper-efficient technology that enables electric aircraft to have the range and endurance needed for safe and practical operations. When paired with sustainable aviation fuel, the VH-3 provides a fully sustainable powerplant solution.”

The NASA SBIR/SBTT program is a part of America’s Seed Fund, the nation’s largest source of early-stage non-dilutive funding for innovative technologies. It is available to entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses with less than 500 employees to receive funding and non-monetary support to build and commercialize their technology.

FMI: verdegoaero.com/product/vh3, www.nasa.gov/sbir_sttr/