Whisper Aero, a Tennessee-based ultralight aircraft company, has recently secured a $500,000 grant in collaboration with Tennessee Tech to advance their innovative electric jet motor concept. The grant, provided through the Transportation Network Growth Opportunity (TNGO) initiative by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD), aims to propel Whisper Aero’s electric propulsion technology from the drawing board to the testing phase.
The partnership between Whisper Aero and Tennessee Tech will involve fitting a Whisper Aero glider with the company’s eQ250 electric-powered jet “propulsors” for UltraQuiet flight. Tennessee Tech faculty and students will conduct ground testing to ensure the safe integration of engines, batteries, and controllers, as well as kickstart Tennessee Tech’s new Crossville Mobility Incubator.
Whisper Aero’s innovative UltraQuiet WhisperDrive is an electrically spun ducted fan jet engine that utilizes stiff composite fan blades within a lightweight, acoustically treated duct. This design allows the propulsor to push more air than conventional props while spinning at a slower speed, resulting in a quieter operation. The Whisper Aero glider, equipped with a pair of eQ250 propulsors, boasts a wingspan of over 40 ft, a maximum L/D of 35:1, and the capability to perform impressive acrobatic maneuvers.
The Whisper Aero glider is designed for low-speed cruising with a power-off glide rate and a climb rate of 1,250 ft/min with full self-launching power. The range under full power is approximately 109 miles with current battery technology, but is expected to increase to nearly 170 miles with the latest EPiC 2.0 energy batteries.
Nathan Millecam, CEO of Electric Power System, expressed excitement about the advancements in energy density and thermal performance, enabling a significant increase in range for the Whisper Aero glider. The collaboration between Whisper Aero and Tennessee Tech aims to showcase the glider’s ability to fly with a payload of 220 lbs. for a full range, without disturbing nearby neighborhoods.
The TNGO grant complements a previous grant from NASA awarded to Whisper Aero, focusing on the development of the eQ250s for future spacecraft ventilation systems. This latest grant underscores the commitment to advancing electric aviation technology and workforce development in Tennessee.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Whisper Aero and Tennessee Tech signifies a significant step forward in the aerospace industry’s propulsion technology. The integration of electric propulsion systems in aircraft not only enhances performance but also contributes to sustainable aviation solutions. In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to overlook the importance of self-care. With so many responsibilities and commitments, taking time for ourselves often falls to the bottom of the priority list. However, neglecting self-care can have negative effects on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
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