XTI Aerospace is exploring options to use VerdeGo Aero’s hybrid-electric propulsion systems for its TriFan 600 VTOL aircraft. On Tuesday, the U.S. companies announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding to start a technology collaboration around both the TriFan, which initially will be powered by a pair of as-yet-unspecified turbofans, and possible uncrewed aircraft systems for military and civil applications.
According to Colorado-based XTI, its willingness to consider hybrid-electric propulsion is based on what it says is the “significant progress” VerdeGo Aero has made in maturing its technology over the past two years. The companies’ engineering teams will now collaborate on aircraft mission performance targets and assess their power requirements.
“VerdeGo Aero sees great potential for high-performance hybridized versions of the XTI aircraft family that leverage VerdeGo’s portfolio of hybrid powerplants to provide high-speed cruise and VTOL capabilities,” said Eric Bartsch, CEO and co-founder of the Florida-based VerdeGo, “building on the maturity of our VH-4T turbine-hybrid powerplant and the design and analysis work completed on the VH-5 blended turbofan through both internal development and defense-supported programs.”
In July 2024, VerdeGo announced plans for the 400-kilowatt VH-4T propulsion system and said that it was building a flightworthy prototype, having started testing with a full-scale iron bird test rig in late 2023. The powertrain incorporates a Pratt & Whitney PW206/207 engine as its turbine element and has received financial backing from the engine maker’s parent company, RTX.
The VH-4T is based on VerdeGo Aero’s earlier 185-kilowatt VH-3 hybrid-electric propulsion system. It has been developed with support from the U.S. Air Force Small Business Innovation Research Phase II contract as part of the Afwerx program.
XTI has previously eschewed electric propulsion systems, maintaining that only turbine engines could provide the performance required for the business and regional aviation applications it envisages for the TriFan 600. The fixed-wing aircraft, which the company refers to as an xVTOL, features a pair of tilting ducted fans in the wing and another ducted fan in the rear of the fuselage.
According to XTI, the aircraft will have a maximum range of 857 nm and cruise at up to 270 knots at 25,000 feet. It first announced the program in 2017, at which point it intended to use Honeywell’s HTS900 turboshaft engines to deliver range of up to 1,500 nm for roles in which it would replace business jets and helicopters.
“We believe hybrid-electric power generation, electric propulsion, and other emerging technologies will enable XTI to deliver superior performance and increased sustainability across a wide range of applications and use cases,” its chairman and CEO, Scott Pomeroy, commented.
In March, the FAA’s Innovation Office accepted XTI’s application for a type certificate for the TriFan. The company reported then that it is preparing its “Sparrow” sub-scale working model for testing.
The company said the agency has now started the G-1 issue paper process that will establish the basis for certification. It intends to get the TriFan approved based on the AC 21-17b “powered lift requirements.”