VH-4T-RD shown with turbine engines for VH-4T production
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., 20 November 2025 – VerdeGo Aero™, Inc. has announced that their VH-4T-RD 400kW-class hybrid-electric powerplant has entered low-rate production for developmental non-certified applications including ground and flight test of hybrid-electric aircraft. This progression reflects the maturity of VerdeGo’s hybrid-electric technology, which combines conventional fuels with electric power to meet the demanding requirements of next-generation electrified aircraft. With extensive ground testing and validation complete, VerdeGo has begun manufacturing limited quantities of the VH-4T-RD for delivery to customers for use in their ground test and flight test programs prior to the availability of the VH-4T-415 production variant, which is intended for high volume production and FAA certification. VerdeGo is positioned as an industry leader advancing hybrid-electric propulsion technology from concept demonstration to operational capability.
The VH-4T-RD has accumulated hundreds of hours of runtime, including 150 hours of durability testing conducted for the US Air Force in accordance with FAA Part 33 durability testing requirements. This testing, conducted in VerdeGo’s Hybrid Systems Integration Laboratory (HSIL), drove the VH-4T through a representative eVTOL mission profile while including a high-frequency turbulence model to validate the hybrid system’s response to rapid changes in load and its ability to maintain consistent performance under dynamic flight conditions. In addition to performance testing, VerdeGo has validated system performance through extensive fault case testing to ensure safety and reliability outside of normal operating parameters. These results demonstrate its reliability and maturity as a production-ready powerplant for use in customers’ research and development projects.
Testing and validation of the VH-4T-RD has generated strong industry interest, with growing demand for both leased and purchased units for evaluation and integration. VerdeGo reports that the first customer units are scheduled for delivery in 2026, and leasing of VerdeGo-owned powerplants has already commenced for customers wanting to accelerate progress ahead of taking delivery of purchased VH-4T powerplants. Current lead time for ordering a VH-4T-RD is approximately 9 to 12 months. Customers applying the VH-4T to their aircraft or drones may collaborate directly with VerdeGo’s engineering team in Daytona Beach, Florida, utilizing the company’s Hybrid Systems Integration Lab (HSIL) for on-site testing, data collection, and system validation.
The VH-4T-RD is available now, while the product-intent configuration, VH-4T-415, is under development and scheduled for availability in 2027. This effort is supported under a Phase III USAF contract. The -415 builds upon the foundation laid by the -RD powerplant, adding improved redundancy and power output. VerdeGo is continuing to pursue both military and FAA Part 33 certification of the -415 to support accelerated integration into production aircraft. VerdeGo has also filed the Application for Type Certificate for the VH-4T hybrid powerplant with the FAA.
VerdeGo’s approach of producing the -RD unit while simultaneously developing the -415 allows customers to get hands-on experience with hybrid-electric propulsion in prototype aircraft. Lessons learned during the early integrations of the R&D unit in prototype aircraft will inform and accelerate the transition to production aircraft that utilize VerdeGo’s VH-4T-415 production hybrid powerplants. With years of experience partnering with airframe developers, VerdeGo offers the expertise needed to streamline hybrid powerplant integration into prototype aircraft with the -RD now, while working alongside design teams planning to use the -415 for production aircraft.
The VH-4T-RD represents a critical step in hybrid-electric propulsion maturity, bridging the gap between prototype and production while providing customers with a clear and scalable path toward VH-4T-415 integration. The availability of a matured 400kW-class hybrid-electric powerplant is a major step forward for the high-performance electrified aircraft market. The VH-4T-RD is now available for customer programs. Connect with VerdeGo Aero to initiate discussions on integration and delivery timelines.
ABOUT VERDEGO AERO
VerdeGo Aero (verdegoaero.com), a frontrunner in the hybrid-electric propulsion market since its founding in 2017, is focused on developing and manufacturing powerplant solutions that give electrified aircraft revolutionary performance. VerdeGo hybrid powerplants have achieved TRL 7 in manned applications and achieved hundreds of hours of successful test operations. With strong support from both government and commercial programs, VerdeGo’s dual-use systems are excellent solutions for a wide variety of advanced aircraft and drones. VerdeGo Aero is based at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Research Park in Daytona Beach, Florida. For more information, please visit verdegoaero.com.
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