VTOL aircraft startup XTI Aircraft Company (XTI) plans to fly the 60 percent scale flying prototype of the TriFan 600 VTOL aircraft late...
VTOL aircraft startup XTI Aircraft Company (XTI) plans to fly the 60 percent scale flying prototype of the TriFan 600 VTOL aircraft later this year.
Denver based company announced its on schedule and on budget as it completes the first sub-scale prototype.
The Phase 2 of the program carries out fabrication of the wings and fan, along with performing ground tests for static thrust performance and verification on those components. The Phase 2 will also complete weight and balance, and full structural design.
Fabrication of the entire aircraft will be completed in Phase 3, which will begin in April, followed by two or three months of testing before first flight later this year.
The six-seat TriFan 600 will have the speed, range and comfort of a luxury business aircraft and the ability to take off and land vertically, like a helicopter. It will travel at over 300 miles an hour, with a range of 1,200 miles.
Using three ducted fans, the TriFan lifts off vertically. Its two wing fans then rotate forward for a seamless transition to cruise speed and its initial climb. It will reach 30,000 feet in just ten minutes and cruise to the destination as a highly efficient business aircraft.
XTI has received 60 orders for the airplane, representing $390 million in sales revenues.
