XTI Aerospace, VerdeGo Aero sign MOU to explore hybrid-electric propulsion for UAS applications
DENVER - XTI Aerospace, Inc. in Englewood, Colo., and VerdeGo Aero in Daytona Beach, Fla., have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the integration of hybrid-electric propulsion systems in future variants of XTI’s aircraft, the companies announced Tuesday.
The agreement aims to evaluate VerdeGo’s turbine-hybrid systems for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) supporting both military and civilian logistics and cargo operations. These missions often require a combination of high-speed cruise, extended range, and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability.
The collaboration will assess how VerdeGo’s VH-4T-RD 400-kilowatt turbine-hybrid powerplant and related technologies can meet XTI’s aircraft mission performance requirements. VerdeGo has advanced its hybrid-electric systems through defense-supported research and internal development, including work on the VH-5 blended turbofan.
AVX Aircraft and XTI Aerospace team to develop TriFan 600 vertical lift aircraft
"XTI is focused on enabling unparalleled mission capability – high speed and long range with VTOL capabilities," said Scott Pomeroy, Chairman and CEO of XTI Aerospace. "We believe hybrid-electric power generation, electric propulsion, and other emerging technologies will enable XTI to deliver superior performance and increased sustainability across a wide range of applications and use cases. VerdeGo is a technology and thought leader in the field, and we are excited to collaborate with them."
Eric Bartsch, CEO and Co-founder of VerdeGo Aero, said, "VerdeGo Aero sees great potential for high-performance hybridized versions of the XTI aircraft family that leverage VerdeGo's portfolio of hybrid powerplants to provide high-speed cruise and VTOL capabilities. Building on the maturity of our VH-4T turbine-hybrid powerplant and the design and analysis work completed on the VH-5 blended turbofan through both internal development and defense-supported programs, VerdeGo will be working with XTI to identify optimal combinations of powertrain and airframe to deliver on the missions that are most important for both military and civilian markets."
