Companies Add to the Nearly 40-Member Electric Propulsion and Innovation Committee

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) announced today that Robinson Helicopters and DeltaHawk have joined the association as full Members. Whisper Aero also joined as an Associate Member under GAMA’s Electric Propulsion & Innovation Committee (EPIC).

The EPIC category was created by GAMA in 2015. It is made up of nearly 40 organizations focused on electric and hybrid propulsion, eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft, and related infrastructure. This membership category is designed to support the development of advanced air mobility (AAM) technologies. EPIC Associate Members include Calnetix Technologies, XTI Aircraft Company, Electric Power Systems, and VoltAero.

The EPIC committee maintains six working groups and subcommittees, addressing technical and regulatory challenges in areas such as hydrogen propulsion, hybrid systems, simplified vehicle operations, and infrastructure development.

The first new, full-fledged member is Robinson Helicopter Company. The manufacturer, based in Torrance, California, has been producing helicopters since its founding in 1973. It builds both manned and unmanned rotorcraft through a vertically integrated facility that handles all phases of design, assembly, inspection, and testing.

DeltaHawk Engines is the second full member joining the EPIC initiative. Headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin, DeltaHawk develops jet-fueled piston engines and received FAA certification for its first engine in 2023. The company is currently working to expand its product line to include higher-power engines aimed at improving efficiency and reducing operational costs for general aviation aircraft.

Whisper Aero is the new Associate Member EPIC. It is located in Crossville, Tennessee, and was founded by aerospace veterans Mark Moore and Ian Villa. The company focuses on developing quiet, efficient, and clean electric propulsion systems. The company aims to support both commercial and defense applications with technologies that minimize noise and environmental impact while improving performance and cost-effectiveness.

FMI: www.gama.aero