VH-5 Blended Turbofan

Electrically convertible turbofan

The VH-5 is VerdeGo Aero’s most revolutionary new powerplant technology for next generation aircraft requiring very high cruise speed and electrification in both military and commercial markets. As the demand for High-Speed Vertical Takeoff and Landing (HSVTOL) platforms grows, VerdeGo Aero’s VH-5 stands out as a solution for missions requiring high power, vertical lift, and jet-like speeds — delivering capabilities unmatched in today’s market. For example, a VH-5-powered VTOL transport aircraft would easily surpass the V-22 Osprey in both speed and range, while also having far less mechanical complexity and improved fault tolerance.  The core of the VH-5’s revolutionary capabilities is its ability to seamlessly switch between jet thrust and full electric power generation to enable multiple modes of flight. The uses for the electricity are limited only by the aircraft designers’ innovation. Vertical lift fans, active aerodynamics, blown wings, and large onboard electrical payloads are all feasible with the VH-5 powering the aircraft.

By blending the best of jet engine performance with the advantages of electrification, the VH-5 maximizes efficiency and mission flexibility. For example, a VH-5 Blended Turbofan sized for 1.5 MW of electrical output can also act as a 4,000 lb thrust-class engine in cruising flight. Therefore an aircraft can be designed to cruise like a jet with a 4,000 lb thrust engine or hover as a VTOL aircraft with a 1.5 MW series hybrid powertrain.

Turbofan power is required for long-range high-speed cruising flight, and providing the required performance, reliability, and efficiency. For hovering flight, VH-5 redirects its full power output into electric lift systems, which is a very weight-efficient approach to vertical flight. Using VerdeGo Aero’s proprietary “power blending” technologies, it is also possible to vary the percentage of the power from the turbine core that goes into jet thrust and electric power generation, allowing for seamless VTOL transitions and operation of onboard systems requiring large amounts of electric power. This dual-mode capability is critical for both military and commercial aircraft.

VerdeGo Aero is currently working with leading airframers in the military and civilian markets to refine the VH-5 and its power-blending technologies, and define the sizing for the initial product that will bring these revolutionary capabilities to market. Airframers interested in participating in the VH-5 industry group should contact VerdeGo Aero.