Whisper Aero to advance electric Ultralight testing through half-million US grant
April 4, 2025
US-based Whisper Aero and the Tennessee Technological University have been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) to advance the development and testing of the single-seat Ultralight powered glider.
Over the next couple of months, university faculty and students will be collaborating with Whisper Aero on ground testing of its ‘quiet glider’: a modified Aériane Swift 3 platform fitted with two Electric Power Systems eQ250 propulsion units. With a ten-inch fan diameter, the eQ250 is currently the largest standard offering in Electric Power Systems’ stable of solutions; applicable to Group 3+ drones and fixed-wing aircraft. The aircraft is also set to begin flight tests later this year.
The Belgian-produced Swift 3 (itself an acronym for Swept Wing with Inboard Flap for Trim) can be flown as a foot-launched glider, towed launch aircraft or electric motor glider; featuring a redesigned wing planform, new airfoils, lighter composite structure and optimised fuselage shape as compared to its previous iteration. The Swift 3 was first unveiled three years ago.
Tennessee Tech President Phil Oldman explained that the funding highlighted “the power of state partnerships in advancing transformative technologies,” adding that student interns will “gain invaluable perspective” through “working directly with Whisper Aero leaders”.
Whisper Aero confirmed this work will contribute to aligned dual-use US Department of Defense work, together with the Air Force’s AFWERX programme and Air Force Operational Energy via OCEIF. In March 2025, AFWERX also confirmed that Whisper Aero was among the 23 small business with Phase II contracts awarded within the last two years to apply for funding through Program Year 2025. Under AFWERX’s Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) Notice of Opportunity, Whisper Aero could also benefit from a potential further $375,000 – $2 million.
