Whisper Aero and Electric Power Systems partner to enable powertrains for Regional Air Mobility

Whisper Aero Inc. and Electric Power Systems (EPS) are partnering to enable regional air mobility at scale. Through this partnership, Whisper will be combining its next-generation cleaner, quieter, more efficient thrusters with EPS EPiC Energy and EPiC Power batteries for certifiable powertrains on Part 23 aircraft in the near-term.

Since its earliest days, Whisper has been innovating high blade count electric ducted fans with significantly lower noise, higher performance, and improved safety. Enabling innovations in electric motors have opened up a new design space that decouples power and thrust, typically integrated in a turboprop or turbojet. No longer limited by this coupling, Whisper has been able to maximize the efficiency of its fans at lower fan pressure ratios for higher speed flight. Recent tests have proven this to be the case with its larger 80 lbf thrust propulsor prototypes. This has allowed Whisper time to search for ideal powertrain partners to provide power and energy that work best with its propulsion systems.

Whisper CEO, Mark Moore, said, “We’re excited to partner with EPS on powertrain solutions for hybrid-electric retrofits and clean sheet designs. Their progress on aerospace-grade, certifiable batteries makes them a pragmatic choice for near-term Part 23 aircraft.”

EPS is well positioned to meet Whisper’s battery needs. Since 2017, the team has made strides in aviation-grade batteries like the energy storage system for NASA’s X-57 Maxwell demonstrator. Their EPiC 1.0 is known for reliably powering vehicles like the Diamond eDA40, slated for EASA/FAA Part 23 certification. EPS is now navigating the pathway towards an STC of their battery packs through discussions with EASA and FAA to ensure safe, tested, high-performance solutions across multiple platforms.

“We are excited to partner with Whisper Aero in developing modular and scalable powertrains to electrify aerospace and defense,” stated EPS CEO, Nathan Millecam. “Whisper Aero’s ducted fans are an ideal fit for the modular, scalable, and upgradeable power systems we deploy today. Together, we can further expand the range of electric vehicles without having to compromise on air speed or noise pollution.” EPiC 2.0, powering 50% more airtime on a single charge, is a drop-in replacement for the EPiC 1.0 TSO and can form the basis for new Whisper-enabled powertrains.

The joint Whisper and EPS team have begun the maturation of a retrofit Part 23 concept enabled by Whisper’s 80 lbf eQ250 propulsors, Whisper’s JetFoil integration, and EPS EPiC energy storage systems. The team has already completed initial compatibility tests and is demoing a Whisper propulsor coupled to a mobile EPS battery system at UP.SUMMIT 2024. Over the coming months, the team will be expanding these efforts to include larger arrays of Whisper’s propulsors with batteries that can be combined with a high voltage bus and a turbogenerator in a flightworthy hybrid electric demonstrator. Recent team additions like Whisper’s Certification Strategic Advisor, Brian Klinka, will help accelerate the team’s efforts towards airworthiness for commercial and DoD applications.

Ultimately, the goal is to field these powertrains in complete solutions on retrofit and clean-sheet designs that enable affordable, sustainable flights at scale. The EPS partnership also marks a growth in Whisper’s ReConnecTN coalition, fast-forwarding regional air mobility in the volunteer state. Iron bird tests and eventual electric flights will help inform Tennessee mobility initiatives in the southeastern United States.