VerdeGo and Röder Präzision announce hybrid-electric engine

VerdeGo Aero and Röder Präzision have announced a new hybrid-electric engine, SR-305-VDG as part of its VH-3 powerplant development.

The VH-3 has been created as an “extremely efficient” option for providing large amounts of propulsive electric power and converting liquid fuels into electricity. The powerplant includes an aircraft engine, motor or generator, power electronics and control and thermal management systems. 

During the development of the VH-3, VerdeGo and the SMA Aero Engines, a 100% owned subsidiary of Röder Präzision, have jointly-developed a new version of the SMA SR-305 diesel-cycle high-efficiency aircraft engine. The result of more than two years of testing, the engine features a higher power output, reduced hybrid powerplant weight, smaller system volume and is exclusively produced for VerdeGo’s hybrid-electric applications. 

Eric Bartsch, CEO of VerdeGo Aero, said: “Creating an optimal hybrid powerplant requires careful alignment of all of the major components to ensure they function efficiently and reliably together. Collaboration with SMA has enabled VerdeGo to increase the performance of the VH-3-185 hybrid powerplant while reducing weight and size of the system. Combining the engineering capabilities at both companies has been critical for delivering a hybrid powerplant that addresses the needs of VerdeGo’s customers who are creating some of the highest-performance electric aircraft in the world.”

The VH-3 hybrid powerplant containing the new engine will be on display at AirVenture 2023 in the US Air Force’s AFWERX booth.

Jörg Erdmann, chief operating officer, Röder Präzision said: “We are very happy to have found a partner in VerdeGo who has recognised the potential of the engine for hybrid applications. We are very confident that this new version of the engine will form the powertrain for several new electric aircraft that require an energy density currently unattainable with battery technology. We also see great market potential with regards to the possibility of using sustainable aviation fuels and supporting lower carbon emissions in the aviation.”