XTI Aerospace has signed a memorandum of understanding with MagLev Aero to explore the integration of magnetically levitated electric propulsion into future hybrid-electric aircraft and drone designs. The evaluation centres on MagLev’s proprietary HyperDrive technology, which uses a tip-driven ducted fan system to remove rim drive friction, increase efficiency and reduce noise.

The agreement includes a non-binding pre-order of up to 100 HyperDrive units, dependent on technical milestones, integration success and final contracts. XTI chairman and CEO Scott Pomeroy says: “Part of our product road map includes a piloted, hybrid-electric version of the TriFan as well as unmanned aerial vehicles. 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.”

MagLev co-founder Ian Randall says: “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.”