VerdeGo Aero, Inc. has been awarded a $9.7-million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III contract with the U.S. Air Force to mature the VH- 4T hybrid-electric powerplant into a production-intent configuration and to build and test the first prototype VH-4T-415. This award was issued by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Mobility Directorate (AFLCMC/WLM) in cooperation with AFWERX, the innovation branch of the Department of the Air Force (DAF) and supported by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

In this episode of HangarX Studios, Eric Bartsch, CEO of VerdeGo Aero, explores the future of propulsion, why hybrid-electric power is outperforming batteries, and how this breakthrough tech is reshaping both commercial and military aviation. From megawatt-class hybrid engines to the real-world limits of battery-powered aircraft, Eric breaks down the tech, the trade-offs, and the opportunities that could define the next generation of air mobility.

Technology experts join forces to create start-up company focused on building hybrid–electric engines.

"The founders of VerdeGo Aero have long believed that hybrid-electric propulsion was going to be a key enabling technology for a new generation of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL), electric conventional takeoff and landing (eCTOL) and electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft to be commercially successful. Fast forward to 2025, and VerdeGo’s portfolio of three hybrid-electric propulsion systems — the VH-3-185, VH-4T and VH-5, spanning the 185-kW to 1.5-MW output range — are generating plenty of commercial and military interest for different mission applications."

The aerospace industry is on the verge of its next great transformation. While hybrid-electric and battery-electric technology has reshaped ground transportation, aviation has been slower to adapt due to one key limitation: batteries are too heavy for flight, and are holding back the use of electric motors which enable revolutionary new aircraft designs that are more efficient, more maneuverable, and safer. That’s where VerdeGo Aero comes in.

RTX Ventures is accelerating the future of aerospace propulsion with investments in cutting-edge technologies. Companies like VerdeGo Aero, supported by RTX, are advancing hybrid-electric systems that enhance sustainability and efficiency in aviation.

Florida-based company ups the pace of development and testing with its hybrid-electric powerplants, as civilian and military interest in next generation of flight propulsion takes off.

GrowFL is proud to announce the 50 exceptional companies selected as 2024 GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Honorees. The prestigious awards program, now in its fourteenth year, recognizes outstanding second-stage companies across the state for their contributions to Florida’s economic landscape.

Hybrid powerplants under development and testing by U.S. startup VerdeGo Aero are on track to make first flight early next year, founder and CEO Eric Bartsch says.

The U.S. Air Force has awarded VerdeGo Aero a $1.9 million contract to build and test the first production-ready prototype of its VH-3 hybrid-electric powerplant, giving the Florida-based company the boost it needs to begin delivering the generators to its customers.