VerdeGo Turbine-Hybrid Aircraft Powerplant

VerdeGo Aero is seeking Direct-to-Phase II SBIR funds to demonstrate airworthiness of a fully integrated prototype turbine-hybrid electric powerplant through a rigorous ground testing effort that will validate the readiness of the thermal, mechanical, and electrical subsystems to support flight testing of early prototype electric-powered aircraft.á SBIR funds will advance the timeline for completion and bring this solution into existence sooner to fulfill US Government and commercial end-user needs.á Background: VerdeGo has developed three generations of high-performance prototype hybrid-electric powerplants, bringing them to TRL 6. Three of VerdeGoĺs 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. In response to strong market pull, VerdeGo is now developing its first turbine-based hybrid powerplant design with a working designation of New Turbine Hybrid or NTH. There is a significant opportunity to leverage the capabilities already developed with more than $12M of commercial funding to address DAF electric propulsion needs for eVTOL aircraft and other electric power generation needs. VerdeGo has already built a non-flying concept demonstrator of this system using company internal funding that will begin testing in December 2023 and is currently building aáflightworthy configuration which is scheduled to be complete in March 2024. This proposed effort will focus on validating the mechanical integration, electrical integration, control system, and áthermal management system of this design througháa robust ground test plan to move the design to TRL6.á At the conclusion of the proposed work scope the NTH will be suitable for experimental flight testing in unmanned systems and ready to move to TRL7. Description: VerdeGo's NTH hybrid powerplant is a highly integratedápower generation system that includes a certified and proven helicopter engine, a generator, power electronics, and cooling systems in a single unit to provide series-hybrid electric power for propulsion of electric aircraft. In a series-hybrid architecture, the powerplant provides only electrical power to the high voltage bus for distribution to any combination of electric motors and batteries. á