What Happened
Electric Propulsion System Enables Runway Independent Operations
Whisper Aero has unveiled its JetFoil propulsion concept, a distributed electric ducted fan system designed for short or near-vertical takeoffs. The system embeds electric ducted fans into the leading edge of a wing, using upper surface blowing and the Coanda effect to generate high lift at low speeds. Whisper Aero co-founder and CEO Mark Moore received the 2026 AIAA F.E. Newbold V/STOL Award for his work in VTOL and STOL technologies. The company is partnering with OEMs to design and fly JetFoil-powered aircraft prototypes, and has already applied the technology to defense concepts. This development was first reported by AeroTime.