For our latest partner feature, we are highlighting Whisper Aero, an innovative, Tennessee-based company focused on delivering the next generation of cleaner, quieter and more efficient thrust. Whisper was founded by industry veterans, Mark Moore and Ian Villa, and continues to innovate a future that’s as considerate as it is compelling with its world-class team in Tennessee. We spoke with Villa, Whisper Aero’s COO and Chief Product Officer, to learn more about their futuristic technology and the importance of Tennessee’s resources. 

What is Whisper Aero and how is it shaping the future of advanced mobility?

Whisper Aero is pioneering a more compelling and connected future by delivering cleaner, quieter and more efficient propulsion solutions. Today’s open rotor propulsion systems are challenged by safety, noise and performance limitations at all scales. Whisper’s breakthrough technologies allow aircraft to fly anywhere at any time without disturbing communities, at greater speeds, and with incredible improvements in efficiency and cost. Our innovations also enable a new generation of air-moving products that can blend into the soundscapes of daily life.

Why Tennessee?

Whisper chose Tennessee to build, test, deliver, and scale the future of propulsion. In 2020, Mark and I were looking for a business-friendly state and opportunistically found a 20-acre resort turned research campus in Crossville, Tennessee. Over time, the team continued to expand its presence in the Volunteer State, expanding across both Nashville and Crossville through successes with the U.S. Air Force and other customers.

How is Whisper Aero leveraging local resources to drive innovation?

Whisper has leaned into Tennessee’s business and tech ecosystem to grow alongside local cities, schools, and organizations. In the last four years, Whisper has worked with Oak Ridge National Labs for advanced computational fluid dynamic simulations at scale. Whisper has also collaborated closely with LaunchTN, TDOT, and TNECD to propel state-wide mobility initiatives. These state-funded initiatives extend to university partnerships, where Tennessee Tech has collaborated with Whisper Aero on aerospace R&D proposals. With each opportunity, Whisper has provided internship opportunities for the brightest students across the state to continue powering its flywheel of success.

What’s next for Whisper Aero and Tennessee’s mobility future?

Whisper is continuing to grow its team in Tennessee with high-tech jobs to deliver the next generation of quieter, more-efficient propulsion. Recently, Whisper Aero and Tennessee Tech have been awarded a $500,000 TNGO (Transportation Network Growth Opportunity) award by TNECD (Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development) to advance the development and testing of the Whisper Ultralight, a single seat powered glider capable of UltraQuiet™ flights. Tennessee Tech faculty and four students will support ground testing, ensuring the safe integration of engines, batteries, and controllers before flight. According to CEO Mark Moore, “this project will help position Tennessee’s as a leader in mobility innovation and highlights the power of state partnerships in advancing transformative technologies.” Bringing together industry, academia, and government, it lays the groundwork for a future where regional flights aboard electrified aircraft are possible from more than 70 airports in the Volunteer State.