Whisper’s “UltraQuiet” Propulsion Technology Will Drive an Acrobatic Glider

Whisper Aero is developing a leaf blower that moves 40% more air, uses 40% less power, and produces half the noise of conventional models, showcasing their focus on efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Whisper’s air-moving technology, initially not meant for garden tools, led to a licensing deal with Stanley Black & Decker, which will use it in consumer products. This partnership provides steady revenue as Whisper shifts focus to quieter electric aircraft.

Whisper CEO Mark Moore: From NASA Engineer to eVTOL Innovator

Whisper CEO Mark Moore, a former NASA engineer, gained attention in 2010 with his Puffin eVTOL. As the eVTOL air taxi boom surged, he pivoted to selling ‘shovels’ instead of chasing costly FAA certification. Seeing the need for key infrastructure, he focused on providing tools for success. For air taxis to revolutionize commuting, they must be quieter, more efficient, and more sustainable than helicopters and planes.

Whisper’s UltraQuiet WhisperDrive Redefining Noise and Efficiency in eVTOL Design

“Whisper’s UltraQuiet WhisperDrive powers through with its high-efficiency electric ducted fan, featuring a compact design, reinforced blades, and a streamlined shrouding ring that actively reduces drag and noise.” Housed in a lightweight, soundproof duct, it ensures optimal airflow and minimal noise, making it ideal for quiet applications. Its design moves more air with slower spinning, keeping the blade frequency above 16,000 Hz—inaudible to humans and dogs. The fan’s RPM remains low enough to prevent damage from centrifugal force.

The company has secured a US$500,000 grant to integrate the UltraQuiet WhisperDrive into an aircraft, with a team from Tennessee Technological University retrofitting it onto a glider.

Whisper’s eQ250 Powering the Aeriane Swift 3, A New Era for Electric Ultralights

The plan is to use two eQ250 units, Whisper’s largest model, on a Belgian-made Aeriane Swift 3. This electric, tailless ultralight with a 42-ft wingspan was originally designed as a hang glider.

The goal is to have a Whisper-quiet version of this aircraft flying by year’s end.

It will be a modest debut for the technology, with no plans yet for it to become a product. Whisper’s main goal is its 100-seat Jetliner, which offers clean, battery-powered flights up to 700 miles at one-third the energy cost of a conventional jet.

Commercial aviation moves slowly, with high costs at every stage. Here’s a version with active counterparts:

“Though a jetliner prototype is years away, this pioneering company is poised to play a key role in the clean aviation revolution, using groundbreaking technology that could reshape air travel.” We’ll closely monitor their progress and anticipate their impact on the industry.”

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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