Continental Aerospace Technologies, an AVIC International (HK) Ltd company and VerdeGo Aero Inc., a Florida technology company, have announced a strategic partnership for the development of hybrid-electric aerospace powertrain systems.

VerdeGo Aero is developing its Integrated Distributed Electric Propulsion (IDEPTM) concept to provide powertrain systems for electric aircraft capable of fulfilling demanding commercial missions. VerdeGo Aero is bringing its hybrid-electric expertise to the strategic partnership to combine with the expertise Continental has in highly reliable powerplants for the global aerospace market. Founded in 1905, Continental is recognized as a leader in engine design, certification, and manufacturing for general aviation. Over the years, Continental established itself as the industry technological leader for AvGas and Diesel cycle engines, introducing turbo-charging, fuel injection, balanced fuel injectors, liquid cooling, Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), and many other innovations for general aviation engines.

"This strategic partnership continues Continental's long history of innovation and expands beyond general aviation into emerging commercial markets requiring hybrid-electric propulsion. Continental, as always, remains at the forefront of innovation and intends to lead the aerospace market through its next breakthrough. Since our birth, over 115 years ago, we continuously innovate to be the first choice in general aviation,” said Rhett Ross, President & CEO of Continental Aerospace Technologies.

VerdeGo Aero is developing IDEPTM hybrid-electric systems designed for VTOL aircraft with maximum takeoff weights up to 7,500lb. Continental is optimizing a Jet-A fueled engine for hybrid power generation, enabling a more efficient IDEPTM system to be developed. The resulting partnership yields a global solution for the next generation of innovative aircraft designs.

"Off the shelf turbine and piston engines bring significant compromises when applied to hybrid-electric powertrains. The ability to work with Continental to develop an optimal solution for our IDEPTM systems is a game-changer for commercial applications requiring endurance and power,” said Eric Bartsch, CEO of VerdeGo Aero.

VerdeGo Aero IDEPTM systems, using Continental engines, will offer a hybrid-electric solution that is quieter, more fuel efficient, more economical, and more scalable than hybrid systems using turbine generators; while providing significantly more reliability, endurance, and mission capability than battery-electric propulsion options.

“While some fully battery-electric flight is possible today, hybrid solutions provide a larger design space with higher installed specific energy. In an industry that is all about weight, this will be a key to early success” said Pat Anderson, CTO of VerdeGo Aero.

This strategic partnership provides a new option that is optimal for the needs of new aircraft designs being developed for Urban Air Mobility, cargo transportation, large drones, VTOL vehicles, and EMS markets.

"Our high power, low noise hybrid-electric propulsion systems will revolutionize short-distance aviation," said Erik Lindbergh, VerdeGo Aero's Executive Chairman.

VerdeGo Aero will act as the point of contact for new aircraft manufacturers inquiring about hybrid electric powertrain systems covered under this strategic partnership while Continental will act as the point of contact for inquiries from its existing customer base.