Also Achieves Cybersecurity Maturity Certification Level 2

VerdeGo Aero, the Daytona Beach, Florida-based developer of electric aircraft, announced it has been awarded a NASA contract under its SBIR Phase II Ignite program for demonstrating the mission capability advantages of a hybrid-electric VTOL rotorcraft. The Phase II award builds on the successful completion of a Phase I project that focused on the conceptual application and integration of VerdeGo’s VH-3 piston hybrid-electric in four aircraft designs that include CTOL, VTOL, and STOL configurations.

During its Phase II effort, VerdeGo demonstrated the application of the VH-3 and VH-4T turbine hybrid-electric powerplant in a new high-speed advanced helicopter design, based on the Hummingbird 300L, the company calls “Speedbird.”

Eric Bartsch, CEO of VerdeGo Aero said, “VerdeGo Aero is pleased to collaborate with NASA on a hybrid-electric aircraft design program. The effort, aimed at accelerating the maturation process of our hybrid-electric powerplants, has demonstrated the performance advantages of hybrid power in a specific winged eVTOL rotorcraft.

“By leveraging an adaptation of an existing airframe design, this initiative has allowed us to showcase the performance advantages of our technology in an industry-neutral concept, significantly advancing research and development efforts while minimizing cost. The Speedbird concept combines several potential benefits of hybridization showing how payload, range, speed, and efficiency can all benefit from a hybrid-electric powertrain.”

In a related development, VerdoGo also announced it has achieved a perfect score for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMCC) Level 2, after an assessment by a Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization in August 2025. The accomplishment underscores VerdeGo’s commitment to cybersecurity while developing the hybrid-electric propulsion needed for next-generation aircraft programs.

VerdeGo’s implementation of all 110 NIST SP 800-171 security requirements ensures strong protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in support of Department of War (DoW) programs and trusted aerospace partners.

Bartsch said of this certification, “As the defense market becomes increasingly focused on leveraging hybrid-electric propulsion to achieve the mission capabilities necessary in next-generation electrified aircraft, it is critical for companies like VerdeGo Aero to be qualified to engage directly on these programs.

“CMMC Level 2 is more than compliance; it’s a reflection of our company’s culture of security and our ongoing commitment to our customers and partners in the defense industrial base. This accomplishment positions VerdeGo as a trusted partner for defense and industry stakeholders.”

FMI:  www.verdegoaero.com/