XTI Aerospace, a pioneer in VTOL powered-lift aircraft solutions and parent company of XTI Aircraft Company, has had its type certification application for the TriFan 600 VTOL aircraft accepted by the FAA. This marks the achievement of a significant first-quarter milestone in the company's product and engineering progress.

XTI has been actively collaborating with the FAA's Innovation Office to develop the AC 21-17b ‘powered-lift’ requirements. This formal TC submission moves the certification process forward, with the FAA now tasked with reviewing XTI's G-1 Stage 1, Basis for Certification document and engaging experts within the FAA to work toward the Stage 2 response to the G-1.

“This submission is a pivotal step in the certification process for the TriFan 600 and a significant achievement for our engineering team,” remarks Dave Ambrose, VP of engineering at XTI Aircraft. “Having completed our General Familiarisation briefing with the FAA in December, we're now in a position to further engage with FAA experts and refine our certification plan, ensuring it aligns with the regulatory framework.”

“We're excited to take this important step toward achieving certification for the TriFan 600,” adds Scott Pomeroy, chairman and CEO of XTI Aerospace. "The powered-lift category is new territory for the FAA and other regulatory bodies, and we've learned a great deal from pioneers like Joby and Archer who have helped shape this regulatory landscape and aided in crafting how the FAA certifies new families of VTOL aircraft. Our collaboration with the FAA is critical as we seek to bring one of the safest aircraft in this emerging category to market.”

XTI has also successfully updated its engine air inlet and exhaust system design, achieving a key Q1 product and engineering milestone.

The updated engine air inlet and exhaust design significantly improves the air intake, particularly in conventional flight, to ensure the air is not hampered by the air flow boundary layer on the upper fuselage. The design team has successfully created a smooth air flow sufficient for the two turboshaft engines to optimise their performance in both vertical and conventional flight. For the engine exhaust, the design provides for a smooth engine exhaust flow, while enabling some forward thrust advantage and a minimised drag footprint.

“Earlier versions of the TriFan 600 reflected notional concepts of the engine inlets and exhaust manifolds. This latest update reflects a design that supports the needs of the twin turboshaft engines while addressing the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle in CTOL, VTOL and cruise flight modes,” reveals Dave Ambrose, VP of engineering at XTI Aircraft. “I believe our aero team has done a fantastic job in meeting the requirements for the engines while leveraging our DMU (digital mock-up) and CFD (computational fluid dynamics) analysis to optimise the design and performance.”

Scott Pomeroy, chairman and CEO of XTI Aerospace, adds: “This is yet another step in the design evolution process to bring science and art together; not only does it look great, but the aerodynamics are excellent in our CFD analysis. While these changes would likely be missed by a casual observer, our culture of innovation and customer focus is what will make the TriFan 600 a market leader.”