Performance Study of an eVTOL Aircraft With Fully Electric, Hybrid, and Conventional Propulsion

Despite roadblocks in battery energy density, the future of urban air mobility via electrified propulsion may not be so distant after all. Using VerdeGo Aero's third generation VH-3-185 (VH-3) diesel piston hybrid powerplant, the long-awaited VTOL revolution shows more promise today than ever before using hybrid-electric propulsion. This paper details a design study comparing a modified fully electric Uber eCRM-001 aircraft to a weight and airframe equivalent VH-3 hybrid configuration, as well as to two other configurations with conventional propulsion. Through an in-depth weight buildup, aerodynamic analysis, mission performance, and range evaluation study, this paper reveals how a hybrid powerplant unlocks a longer range while meeting the safety measures and reserve fuel regulations set forth by the FAA.