XTI Aerospace Teams Up with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to Boost xVTOL Aircraft Development
XTI Aerospace, Inc. is setting a new benchmark in the field of vertical takeoff and landing technology by joining forces with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). This collaboration aims to expedite the development of the TriFan 600, an innovative aircraft designed to blend the efficiency of traditional fixed-wing aircraft with the operational flexibility of helicopters.
Recently, XTI has reported a significant milestone: the completion of over 1,500 intricate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations. This analysis was made possible with the help of the advanced HPE Cray EX Supercomputer at ORNL, which boasts the capacity to perform over a quintillion calculations per second—making it one of the most powerful supercomputers in existence.
This sophisticated CFD analysis enables XTI's engineering team to not only optimize aerodynamics and aircraft performance but also enhance safety measures as they prepare to conduct test flights of subscale prototypes of the TriFan 600 xVTOL. The ability to digitally simulate the aircraft under various flight conditions allows researchers to anticipate aerodynamic improvements before entering formal wind tunnel tests, which are essential for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification.
Scott Pomeroy, the Chairman and CEO of XTI Aerospace, expressed enthusiasm about this partnership. "As we pioneer the Vertical Economy, our collaboration with Oak Ridge provides XTI a crucial advantage in accelerating our engineering efforts while mitigating risks associated with the design process of our TriFan 600 xVTOL," he said.
The TriFan 600 is not merely another aircraft; it represents a paradigm shift in aviation. Combining characteristics typical of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) crafts with the speed and range offered by conventional airplanes, the TriFan 600 is envisioned to operate at cruising speeds of up to 311 mph and a range of approximately 985 miles. With such specifications, it stands poised to redefine air travel by creating a new segment known as xVTOL (eXtended Vertical TakeOff and Landing).
In addition to its ambitious aviation endeavors, XTI Aerospace's subsidiary, Inpixon, specializes in real-time location systems (RTLS) technologies. This unit provides clients around the globe with tools to optimize operations, increase safety, and enhance productivity in various industrial settings.
As XTI accelerates the development of the TriFan 600 with the aid of supercomputing technology, stakeholders remain optimistic about the potential to revolutionize how aerial transport operates in urban environments. With the integration of advanced computing capabilities, XTI aims not just to lead in aircraft development, but to reshape the future of urban mobility by providing safer, faster, and more reliable travel options.
As the race in the aerospace sector heats up, it will be interesting to monitor the advancements and developments coming from XTI Aerospace. Will the TriFan 600 live up to the expectations of a new era in aviation? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: by leveraging cutting-edge technology and collaboration with leading research institutions, XTI is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the field of aerospace engineering and beyond.