Whisper Aero, a U.S. start-up developing quiet electric propulsion systems, revealed a family of autonomous aircraft concepts for contested logistics missions on May 6 during the Special Operations Forces Week event held in Tampa, Florida. With funding from the U.S. Air Force, Whisper said it will spend the next four years building and flying multiple full-scale prototypes as it strives to bring the technology into service on a program of record.

Bombardier is eyeing potential uncrewed possibilities, potentially in the military market, as it explores technologies it could derive from its EcoJet blended-wing project, according to company president and CEO Éric Martel. He noted that “strategic discussions are happening at Bombardier and still continue” on the future of the EcoJet program and its technologies.

Diamond Aircraft has taken the leading role in a new project to explore the potential for hydrogen-electric hybrid propulsion systems in light aircraft. Through work funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency, the manufacturer and its partners will address use cases and technologies needed to introduce gaseous hydrogen as a fuel source for general aviation.

While continuing a transition with changeover in leadership and new U.S. administration, the FAA is prioritizing activities surrounding advanced air mobility, drones, and rulemaking that may enable future technologies, including eVTOL aircraft, according to acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau. This includes the much-anticipated proposal on beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) that was facing a congressional mandate of release late last year.

Aircraft battery developer Amprius Technologies has launched a higher-energy version of its SiCore high-performance lithium-ion battery. The new 450 Wh/kg battery cell is the most energy-dense iteration of the company’s SiCore line, which launched in January with a 370 Wh/kg cell.

Boeing has shelved its plans to build and fly the X-66 experimental airplane for NASA’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator (SFD) project, which sought to introduce new airframe technologies for the next generation of more efficient single-aisle airliners. In a statement, the U.S. space agency said it is working with Boeing to evaluate “an updated approach” to the SFD program that would focus on demonstrating long, thin wings—a key aspect of the transonic truss-braced wing architecture of the X-66.

Wright Electric is preparing to start ground testing prototypes of the 2 megawatt WM2500 electric propulsion system it is developing for commercial airliners. This week the company reported that it now has a test stand to install at its facility in New York state with a view to expanding the scope of tests in the next few months.