In a strategic move to advance the future of aviation, XTI Aerospace, Inc., a leader in vertical lift and powered-lift aircraft, has entered into a technology collaboration with MagLev Aero Inc., an innovator in magnetically levitated electric propulsion. The partnership aims to develop groundbreaking powertrain solutions for high-value, long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) serving both military and commercial sectors.
The collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU), will focus on integrating MagLev Aero’s proprietary MagLev HyperDrive™ technology into XTI’s future hybrid-electric aircraft designs. The goal is to create aircraft that offer dramatic improvements in speed, operational range, reliability, noise reduction, and vertical lift performance.
A significant component of the MOU is a non-binding pre-order by XTI for up to 100 MagLev HyperDrive propulsion systems. This commitment is contingent upon the successful achievement of technical milestones, final commercial agreements, and seamless integration of the technology into XTI’s piloted and unmanned aircraft.
Scott Pomeroy, Chairman and CEO of XTI, highlighted the strategic fit, stating, “Our roadmap includes both a piloted, hybrid-electric TriFan and advanced UAVs. We believe MagLev’s innovations are key to developing drones with superior efficiency, enabling them to undertake a wider variety of missions and access new customer segments.”
The MagLev HyperDrive system represents a potential leap in electric propulsion. By utilizing magnetic levitation to stabilize and power a tip-driven ducted fan, the technology eliminates traditional rim drive friction. This design is expected to result in a highly efficient, ultra-quiet, and low-maintenance propulsion system scalable for various aircraft and missions.
“Magnetic levitation is an untapped frontier for operational aircraft propulsion,” said Ian Randall, Co-Founder and CEO of MagLev Aero. “We are confident that MagLev and XTI together can push the boundaries of aerospace. Our HyperDrive was engineered to unlock new realms of speed, safety, and sustainability in electric flight, and we are thrilled to collaborate with XTI to make this a reality.”
