Whisper Welcomes Propulsion System Integration with OEMs

Ian Villa, the co-founder and COO of Whisper Aero, told Asian Sky Group the company is “happy to entertain discussions with OEMs” regarding the integration of the company’s quiet propulsion system. 

He said the propulsion system being built can be used in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL), electric conventional take-off and landing (eCTOL) aircraft, as well as drones. 

“Whisper is not ready to disclose its partnerships at this time, but is happy to entertain discussions with OEMs that would like to learn more about integrating its tech on drones, eCTOLs, and eVTOLs,” Villa said. 

Last month, Whisper CEO Mark Moore highlighted the need for electric aircraft to operate silently in order to be widely adopted by global communities.

Villa seconded Moore’s views, saying the Tennessee-based firm is working on ensuring the noise emitted by the propulsion system blends “seamlessly into the soundscapes of our everyday lives.” He added that some of the tonal frequencies go beyond what humans are capable of hearing. 

“At Whisper we look at each of these sources and both minimize their overall impact (amplitude) and tune the tones (frequencies) for a more pleasant overall experience for humans and pets. Some of these tones we are even able to move into the ultrasonic, past the realm of human hearing,” he said. 

Aside from noise reduction, the company harbors greater plans that will benefit electric aircraft producers. Providing more insight, Villa said the technology behind Whisper’s propulsion system can result in faster flying speeds of 300 to 400 mph compared to 150 mph. 

“Whisper’s propulsors are electric ducted fans. Open propellers become inefficient at speeds over 200 mph,” he added. “Looking back at history, it took innovations in ducted / jet technology to push past propeller efficiency limits at higher speed. 

“We believe our approach will do the same for electric thrust with the additional noise benefits gained by our core tech.”

Whisper has its sights set on the U.S. market for the time being, but the company’s ambitions are global and not limited to just eVTOLs, according to Villa.

In April 2023, the company raised USD$32 million in Series A funding, which will be used for production, technology development, and building prototypes for future products.

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