VerdeGo unveils new hybrid-electric powerplant
VerdeGo Aero has revealed its new VH-4T turbine hybrid-electric powerplant to the public.
The 400kW powerplant (pictured centre) is designed to address a wide array of applications in electrified aircraft for commercial and military markets. The company has leveraged the past seven years of hybrid-electric development, including the build of its 185kW VH-3 hybrid powerplant programme, to create the VH-4T.
Full-scale iron bird testing of the VH-4T programme began in late 2023, and a flightworthy prototype is the subject of a US Air Force Small Business Innovation Research Phase II effort for AFWERX.
“VerdeGo Aero is excited to expand its hybrid-electric powerplant portfolio up to the 400kW power level. This revolutionary powerplant enables drones, VTOL, and CTOL electrified aircraft to achieve higher levels of performance and mission capability,” said Eric Bartsch, CEO of VerdeGo Aero.
Continued relationship with RTX
VerdeGo Aero is partnering with Pratt & Whitney to use the engine OEM’s PW206/PW207 engine series in the VH-4T. The VH-4T programme continues RTX’s (Pratt & Whitney’s parent) collaboration with VerdeGo, which started through RTX Ventures’ investment in the hybrids powerplant specialist in mid-2022.
Scott McElvaine, vice president, Pratt & Whitney Canada said: “Hybrid-electric propulsion has the potential to enable improvements in performance and fuel efficiency for a wide array of future aircraft applications. Our collaboration with VerdeGo is helping to accelerate the application of this technology, which we are also advancing across multiple RTX demonstrator programmes.”
The news means VerdeGo’s portfolio now includes the 185kW VH-3 and the 400kW VH-4T, in addition to development programmes that are underway for power levels above 1MW.
The firm’s certification programmes, based on Part 33 plus special conditions, are ongoing with the FAA.
VH-4T will be at Oshkosh
“We are seeing strong market demand across a variety of new electric aircraft configurations,” said David Eichstedt, VerdeGo’s vice president of Product Management. “400 kW seems to be a sweet spot for 5-7 passenger air taxis, eCTOL or eSTOL aircraft that carry up to about 9 passengers, and cargo drones that need to carry over 1000lb of payload.”
A VH-4T prototype will be on display in the AFWERX booth at the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture show in Oshkosh, booth 439, from July 22nd to 28th. Information about the VH-4T will be available at the VerdeGo Aero chalet, number D020, at the Farnborough International Airshow from July 22nd to 26th.
