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’s VH-3 engine has caught the erudite attention of the AFWERX brass.
A joint venture of the United States Air Force and Space Force, AFWERX “seeks to accelerate agile and affordable capability transitions by teaming innovative technology developers with Airman and Guardian talent.” So states the program’s website.
Broadly, AFWERX is fast and lean, low-red-tape initiative that scrutinizes and endeavors to weaponize extant and inchoate Advanced Air Mobility(AAM) concepts and technologies—or, as the AFWERX public-relations department puts it: “develop effective solutions to the challenges facing the service through partnerships with private sector business entities, with particular emphasis being placed on collaboration with technology startups.”
AFWERX—which, remarkably, isn’t an acronym—comprises three core arms: AFVentures, Spark and Prime. AFVentures executes the Small Business Program for the Department of the Air Force; Spark addresses internal innovation and education within the USAF; and Prime evaluates commercial AAM concepts for compatibility with U.S. Department of Defense objectives.
AFWERX Prime is about the business of vetting manned and unmanned electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, as well as electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems from manufacturers the likes of Joby Aviation, Lift Air Mobility, Beta Technologies, Elroy, and Talon Aviation Services. In all, AFWERX holds 22 contracts with over 14 U.S. and international aerospace concerns.
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