Host Jason Pritchard sits down with Whisper Aero’s Chief Engineer, Devon Jedamski, to explore groundbreaking advancements in the eVTOL and propulsion technology sectors.
Whisper Aero is on a mission to deliver cleaner, quieter, and more efficient electric thrust at scale, and this podcast episode provides a comprehensive look at their innovative approach.
From Humble Beginnings to Propulsion Pioneer
Devon’s journey in propulsion technology began with a foundational influence from his father, an electrician. Devon initially pursued a career in renewable energy, conducting significant research on wind turbines and electrical power systems at NASA Glenn and UAV aerodynamic design at NASA Langley.
His passion drove him to MIT, where, under the mentorship of Ed Greitzer, Devon honed his expertise in propulsion at the gas turbine lab.
His professional trajectory continued at Northrop Grumman, where he spearheaded new propulsion technologies, amassing over $25 million in Department of Defense (DoD) contracts. Invited by co-founder Ian Villa, formerly associated with Uber Elevate, Devon joined Whisper Aero to embark on a new chapter in quiet propulsion.
Whisper Aero: A New Era in Propulsion Technology
Whisper Aero is a propulsion company with a distinctive focus: creating quiet, efficient, and reliable propulsion systems that are seamlessly integrated into various markets, including aerospace, eVTOL, and even consumer applications like quiet leaf blowers.
The Whisper Jet, their signature technology, made a splash in 2023 at the IAAA aviation conference. Stealth mode no longer, the Whisper Jet promises a novel technology designed to meet stringent DoD noise standards—something that, according to Devon, can easily translate to commercial products.
Breaking Down the Technology
Whisper Aero’s core innovation revolves around pushing blade passing frequency into the ultrasonic range, undetectable to the human ear. Traditional methods of achieving this involved spinning blades faster, a process that incurs noise penalties. Whisper Aero’s method instead uses low tip speeds and high blade counts to minimize noise.
High Blade Counts:Distributing the thrust load over many blades lowers sound pressure levels
Broad Noise Distribution:Creates a pleasant noise spectrum devoid of annoying tones
Efficient Noise Attenuation:High-frequency noise is naturally attenuated by the atmosphere, making it quieter over distances
This approach not only achieves unparalleled levels of quiet but also maintains high rotor efficiency of 90–92 per cent at various scales, a significant improvement over typical turbine engines.
Practical Applications and Market Impact
Whisper Aero’s technology has numerous applications:
High-Speed Flight:Supports speeds between 200–400 knots, unlike current eVTOL systems maxing out around 200 knots.
Operational Efficiency:Enhances the frequency and efficiency of flights over distances up to 500 miles.
Beyond Aerospace:The technology’s versatility extends to HVAC systems, drones, and even quiet leaf blowers.
Noise management is a critical public concern, with increasing sensitivity to noise pollution. This has driven policy changes and bans on high-noise machines, such as gas leaf blowers. Whisper Aero’s technology tackles this head-on by promising quieter, more public-friendly products.
Major Developments and Strategic Moves
Whisper Aero’s momentum continued with a significant contract from NASA to develop quiet ventilation systems for space habitats and spacecraft. Additionally, their strategic relocation to Crossville, Tennessee, was a move encouraged in late 2020 by Villa.
The city offers an ideal environment for development testing, bolstered by strong support from state and local authorities, including financial backing for flight test hangars.
Engaging the Supply Chain: The Supply Summit
Recently, Whisper Aero successfully hosted its first Supply Summit, drawing between 50 to 100 unique suppliers to showcase their technology. The event received positive feedback, highlighting demonstrations across a spectrum of their products—from aircraft to consumer leaf blowers.
Future Outlook
Whisper Aero is poised for expansive growth, targeting a broad range of markets with their versatile propulsion technology. They are actively seeking partnerships to drive both near-term and long-term projects. The upcoming UP.Summit and other announcements promise to keep industry enthusiasts and partners engaged.
Stay tuned to eVTOL Insights for more industry-shaping discussions and insights into the evolving world of urban air mobility.
