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Whisper Aero Announces New Flight Test Center to Develop Ultraquiet Propulsion

Company claims to reduce aircraft noise to a whisper while delivering 20 percent greater efficiency than other ducted fan designs.

Whisper Aero ultraquiet propulsion
Whisper’s executive team celebrates breaking ground on the company’s new flight test center. [Courtesy: Whisper Aero]
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Key Takeaways:

  • Whisper Aero, co-founded by aerospace experts from NASA and Uber Elevate, is developing a proprietary ultraquiet electric propulsion system.
  • The company recently inaugurated a new 8,000 sq ft flight test center in Crossville, Tennessee, backed by state funding, to develop and integrate its technology.
  • Their innovative propulsion system utilizes electric ducted fans with a high blade count and low tip speed, effectively pushing noise into the ultrasonic range.
  • Whisper Aero aims to apply its technology to a range of aircraft, from eVTOLs and regional jets to military drones, intending to sell the propulsion system rather than whole aircraft.
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Since emerging from stealth in 2021, Crossville, Tennessee-based Whisper Aero has continued to operate behind the scenes, only recently unveiling its ultraquiet jet concept. But the startup is stepping up development of its proprietary propulsion system—one it claims, fittingly, reduces aircraft noise to a whisper.

Whisper on Monday held a ceremony to introduce its new flight test center in Crossville, an 8,000-square-foot hangar backed by a $1.2 million appropriation from the state of Tennessee. Construction on the facility, co-located at Crossville Memorial Airport (KCSV), is expected to begin later this year and be completed by early next year.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.

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