New Ascent
XTI Aircraft’s TriFan 600 may enter the market earlier than expected thanks to a new joint venture with Xeriant Aerospace.
A STRING OF mergers and acquisitions has defined the electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) sector over the last six months. Most recently, two US-based companies, XTI Aircraft and Xeriant Aerospace, announced a joint venture, with the goal of receiving certification for a fullscale version of XTI’s TriFan 600 by 2024.
With its two visible ducted fans on the wings and a third in the aft fuselage, the TriFan 600 easily stands out from other VTOL aircraft that are on the market. But design aside, the technical aspects remain similar. “We’re using conventional technology that won’t need a new set of regulations for certification,” says Robert LaBelle, CEO of XTI, referring to the regulatory hurdles that VTOL aircraft have to pass through.
Even with similar specifications, its numbers are equally impressive, with a top speed of 555km/ hr and range of 2,220km, along with a cruising altitude of 29,000ft. And thanks to its hybrid
propulsion system, the TriFan 600 doesn’t require charging between flights. When complete, the aircraft (S$8.6 million for a base model) can ferry up to eight passengers.
To date, it already has 40 firm orders from a US-based operator, which also has an option for an additional 40 aircraft. Then, there are another 122 cash deposits, which means a potential S$1.7 billion in the bag if all orders are confirmed.
The demand is a reflection of the teams’ experience in the aviation industry. LaBelle notes that XTI’s team, which includes Charlie Johnson, the former president of Cessna; chief engineer Dave Gambill, responsible for the development of Leonardo Helicopters; and Dr James Wang, chief technical adviser and former head of R&D at Leonardo, have collectively launched 35 aircraft. LaBelle, who was chairman of AgustaWestland North America from 2013 to 2017, sees the TriFan 600 as a feeder air taxi that picks up and drops off passengers at commercial airports. But its speed and range means it could potentially be used as a more efficient regional carrier. “This could connect a number of city pairs and operate independently,” he adds.
Keith Duffy, CEO of Xeriant, anticipates even more uses for the TriFan 600. “This is scalable beyond just being a passenger aircraft,” he explains. “It can be used for medevac and potentially military applications.”
The company currently has a third-scale model and is working on a full-scale flying model as it moves towards certification.
The TriFan600 isn’t just looked upon as an air taxi, but also as a regional carrier with potential for medevac and military applications.