Hybrid Powerplants for Electric Aircraft

VerdeGo Aero is seeking TACFI Sequential SBIR Phase II funds to further advance the development, testing and maturation of VerdeGo’s VH-3 hybrid powerplant system. Building upon the successful execution of prior Phase II efforts from VerdeGo and H3X, this TACFI will focus on constructing a full-function powerplant for test and integration into flight test aircraft, integrating H3X’s HDPM-320 motor/generator into VerdeGo’s hybrid powerplant, and ground testing the system to prove performance and flight readiness. SBIR funds will advance the timeline for completion and bring this solution into existence sooner to fulfill US Government and commercial end-user needs.Background: VerdeGo has developed three generations of high-performance prototype hybrid-electric powerplants, bringing them to TRL 6. Three of VerdeGo’s 2nd generation systems, the VH-2-150, were delivered to a customer in Jan 2022, two of which are in operation in an experimental aircraft for flight testing. The main objectives of this effort will be for VerdeGo to develop and integrate an H3X motor/generator and inverter, and full authority digital engine control (FADEC), into the VH-3 to deliver a fully integrated and functional hybrid electric powerplant that is ready for aircraft integration and flight testing. The resulting VH-3 will produce 185kW of continuous DC power and be available as a dual-use, turnkey powerplant solution applicable to a wide variety of flight vehicle configurations, including Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL), Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL), and Conventional Takeoff and Landing (CTOL). There is a significant opportunity to leverage the capabilities already developed with more than $12M of commercial funding to enhance capability around Resilient Basing, powering a wide range of lower cost crewed and uncrewed systems for enhanced sustainment and logistical capability.  Description: VerdeGo's VH-3 hybrid powerplant is a highly integrated power generation system that includes a certified and proven engine, a generator, power electronics, control system and cooling systems in a single unit to provide hybrid electric power for propulsion of electric aircraft.