Continental Aerospace and VerdeGo Aero to enter strategic partnership

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Continental Aerospace Technologies and VerdeGo Aero have announced a strategic partnership to develop hybrid-electric propulsion systems for eVTOLs.

Florida-based VerdeGo is a start-up developing its Integrated Distributed Electric Propulsion (IDEP) system, while Continental is an established engine manufacturer for jets and helicopters. Together, the companies will create hybrid-electric propulsion systems intended for use in short-range air taxi operations.

VerdeGo switched its industry focus from the production of air taxis – the Personal Air Taxi 200 being most notable – to developing powertrain and controls solutions in 2018.

VerdeGo’s IDEP is capable of flying eVTOL aircraft with a maximum weight of 3,400 kgs. And Continental’s Jet-A-fueled engine will optimize hybrid-electric power generation.

The partnership will find a primary market in Urban Air Mobility, cargo transportation, large drones, VTOL vehicles, and Express Mail Service markets.

In a press release about the announcement, VerdeGo’s CTO, Pat Anderson, said, “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.”

Erik Lindbergh, CEO, VerdeGo and Eric Bartsch, COO, VerdeGo will both be speaking at Revolution.Aero San Francisco, on September 23 and 24, 2019.