Continental Aerospace and VerdeGo Aero announce strategic partnership
Continental Aerospace Technologies and VerdeGo Aero have announced a strategic partnership to develop hybrid-electric propulsion systems for eVTOLs.
Florida-based VerdeGo is a start-up developing its Integrated Distributed Electric Propulsion (IDEP) system, while Continental is an established engine manufacturer for jets and helicopters. Together, the companies will create hybrid-electric propulsion systems intended for use in short-range air taxi operations.
VerdeGo switched its industry focus from the production of air taxis – the Personal Air Taxi 200 being most notable – to developing powertrain and controls solutions in 2018.
VerdeGo’s IDEP is capable of flying eVTOL aircraft with a maximum weight of 3,400 kgs. And Continental’s Jet-A-fueled engine will optimize hybrid-electric power generation.
The partnership will find a primary market in Urban Air Mobility, cargo transportation, large drones, VTOL vehicles, and Express Mail Service markets.
In a press release about the announcement, VerdeGo’s CTO, Pat Anderson, said, “While some fully battery-electric flight is possible today, hybrid solutions provide a larger design space with higher installed specific energy. In an industry that is all about weight, this will be a key to early success.”
Erik Lindbergh, CEO, VerdeGo and Eric Bartsch, COO, VerdeGo will both be speaking at Revolution.Aero San Francisco, on September 23 and 24, 2019.
Story first seen on Revolution.Aero :
