Whisper Aero wants to reduce noise levels in aviation and the world beyond. With congested roads and soaring fuel costs, many are now looking to electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for personnel and delivery drones for goods. However, this growth brings increased noise to urban areas and neighborhoods. Whisper Aero is addressing this challenge by developing a never-before-seen electric propulsion device that promises both decreased noise levels and enhanced efficiency in comparison to other options on the market.
The company was founded two years ago by Mark Moore, former executive at Uber Elevate. Moore and his team believe that technological progress doesn’t have to be accompanied by unbearable noise levels. The science behind Whisper is grounded in basic principles, asking how best to harness electricity to create thrust. Previous attempts to reduce noise have meant sacrificing on performance or weight, but Whisper Aero believes that this is not necessary. Their solution shifts the tonal profile of the noise to something pleasant, and even some frequency into the ultrasonic range, beyond the range of human ears.
Whisper Aero has closed a $32 million Series A, led by Menlo Ventures, EVE Atlas, Capricorn Investment Group, and Connor Capital. The company is based in Crossville, Tennessee, with two new facilities in Nashville and Crossville. With this new funding, they are set to expand their team and move towards commercialization, in particular with the U.S. Department of Defense. As part of their testing, they have flown a 55-pound drone to a height of 200 feet, undetectable from the ground, demonstrating the great progress that has been made thus far.
Whisper Aero is also looking to diversify their applications, including industrial and consumer usage, such as a demonstration electric leaf blower. They aspire to become the future of Pratt & Whitney, an aircraft engine maker and Dyson, a consumer tech company known for its vacuums and hair dryers.
Mark Moore is a great example of innovation leadership. He left Uber Elevate with a clear understanding of the need for quieter urban air mobility. His mission since has been to make sure that technological progress does not have to be detrimental for those in the areas of its application.
Whisper Aero is a thought leader in the study of electric propulsion and is looking to redesign the world of aviation. By proposing solutions to the problems of noise and ineffectiveness, they are leading the way to a quieter and more efficient world of aviation.
