VerdeGo Aero, Inc. has been awarded a $1.9M Sequen al Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) contract with the U.S. Air Force to build and test the first prototype VH-3 (185 kW) hybrid-electric powerplant that conforms to a production-intent configuration. This award was issued by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Mobility Directorate (AFLCMC/WLM) in cooperation with AFWERX, the innovation branch of the Department of the Air Force (DAF) and supported by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). AFWERX harnesses cutting edge American ingenuity from startups and small businesses to tackle the most critical challenges of the DAF. To address the challenge of bridging the gap between Phase II and Phase III, the Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) and TACFI programs were introduced. The 24-month TACFI effort builds upon the advanced risk-reduction work VerdeGo Aero performed under a previous AFWERX Direct to Phase II award.

This TACFI contract award will result in the comple on and testing of the first production intent VH-3 hybrid powerplant that builds on refinements from full-scale prototypes that have been operational since 2020. Following the testing of this version of the VH-3, VerdeGo Aero will have the capability to deliver small volumes of hybrid powerplants to customers requiring power for their ground and flight test programs. The VH-3 has been under development for 2 years with substantial risk reduction already completed for many features and systems. Integrated hybrid powerplant testing will be conducted under this award, allowing confirmation of performance, efficiency, and initial durability. “Everyone at VerdeGo is excited to see the final pieces fall into place to launch the ultra-high-efficiency VH-3-185 piston hybrid product,” said Dave Spitzer, VP of Product Development. “The eVTOL world has been waiting for the incredible efficiency and hybrid power capability of this design, and comple on is now clearly in sight.”

This effort will enable VerdeGo Aero to implement refinements that have been developed on the VH-3 program including the motor/generator, heat exchangers, driveline, cooling systems, and control systems. The fully integrated system will be capable of interfacing with on-board aircraft electronics and control systems and manage all functions of the VH-3. Operational and initial durability testing is to be performed on the adapted unit at VerdeGo Aero’s R&D facilities in Daytona Beach, Florida.

“VerdeGo Aero is excited to take the next step in refining the VH-3 hybrid-electric powerplant as we advance towards low-volume production” said Eric Bartsch, CEO. “This powerplant is a critical enabler of electrified drone and aircraft programs requiring an efficient source of power for missions requiring significant range, payload, and speed capabilities.” Both military and civilian aircra programs have indicated interest in this dual-use powerplant that substantially increases the utility of electrified flight.