XTI Aerospace, a pioneer in xVTOL and powered-lift aircraft solutions, announced a technology collaboration with MagLev Aero (“MagLev”), the developer of a revolutionary, magnetically levitated electric propulsion platform. XTI is evaluating innovative powertrain solutions to meet the needs of high-value, long-range aviation missions for military and civilian markets with unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAV).
The goal of the collaboration is to advance solutions that can dramatically enhance aircraft speed, range, reliability, noise profile, and vertical lift performance. Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) between XTI Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of XTI, and MagLev, the two companies will jointly evaluate the integration of MagLev’s proprietary MagLev HyperDrive™ propulsion technology into XTI’s future hybrid-electric aircraft architectures. Additionally, the MOU includes a non-binding pre-order for up to 100 MagLev HyperDrive propulsion systems, contingent upon successful completion of technical and integration milestones, execution of final commercial agreements and successful integration of MagLev’s technology into the Company’s aircraft and/or unmanned drone designs.
“Part of our product road map includes a piloted, hybrid-electric version of the TriFan as well as unmanned aerial vehicles,” said Scott Pomeroy, Chairman and CEO of XTI. “We believe the MagLev innovations can enable us to produce drones that are significantly more efficient than existing market offerings, allowing them to fly more mission types and, in turn, to capture more customer segments.”
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The MagLev HyperDrive is a transformative electric propulsion system that uses a tip-driven ducted fan system aimed to dramatically increase system efficiency through magnetic levitation to stabilize and eliminate rim drive friction. With the ability to scale across aircraft sizes and mission profiles, the MagLev HyperDrive is being designed to enable ultra-quiet, high-speed, and low-maintenance propulsion for a wide range of applications.
“Magnetic levitation has not been used in operational aircraft propulsion before, and we believe MagLev and XTI are the right partners to push the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace,” said Ian Randall, Co-Founder, President and CEO of MagLev. “Our MagLev HyperDrive was developed to unlock new capabilities for electric flight —enhancing speed, safety, and sustainability — and we are excited to work with XTI to bring these advancements to life.”
SOURCE: PRNewswire