The Air Current
• Elan Head
Whisper Aero has begun piloted flight testing of its eQ250 electric ducted-fan propulsion system aboard a modified Swift 3 glider. The startup says the work advances applications in civil and defense markets, alongside projects involving the FAA, while demonstrating the system’s low-noise performance.
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The contract funds Elroy Air’s development of the Chaparral, an autonomous hybrid-electric VTOL cargo aircraft, with work focused on jam-resistant navigation and hardened communications links. The award signals continued Army investment in resilient, unmanned logistics capabilities for contested operating environments.
Eve Air Mobility Chief Commercial Officer Megha Bhatia used the 2026 Farnborough Air Show to provide an update on the company’s eVTOL program, highlighting a reported $14 billion backlog and new commercial commitments as it advances toward commercial deployment.
Dovetail Electric Aviation says it is confident of agreeing the certification basis for its DovePower electric propulsion system with Europe’s civil aviation regulator by year-end. The developer’s outlook follows its first firm customer agreement and a battery industrialization pact, strengthening its path toward commercializing the powertrain.
Sri Lanka will participate in EHang’s fast-track program aimed at compressing the certification and adoption timeline for the Chinese eVTOL platform from years to months. The initiative adds a South Asian market to efforts focused on speeding regulatory approval and commercial deployment of advanced air mobility aircraft.
Electra says it has completed a series of demonstration flights with its ultra-short takeoff and landing hybrid-electric aircraft, testing a potential feeder role for major airports. The demonstrations assess whether the aircraft’s short-field capability can support new regional connectivity models around existing airport infrastructure.
High activity
Whisper Aero has begun piloted flight testing of its eQ250 electric ducted-fan propulsion system aboard a modified Swift 3 glider. The startup says the work advances applications in civil and defense markets, alongside projects involving the FAA, while demonstrating the system’s low-noise performance.
Hybrid-electric aircraft startup Ampaire has secured $19 million in Series B funding from IAG, Alaska Airlines and venture capital investors. The financing brings strategic airline backing alongside private capital as Ampaire advances its hybrid-electric aviation technology and commercialization efforts.
Regent demonstrated its autonomous Squire seaglider at a U.S. Navy drone event, highlighting a ground-effect vehicle designed to reach 70 kt, fly more than 100 nautical miles and carry a 22-kilogram payload. The demonstration positions the platform for evaluation in maritime and other defense missions.
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