Is XTI TriFan Concept for Real?

Stephen Pope

Thursday, August 27, 2015 at 10:36 PM ET

Verified

TriFan 600

Key Takeaways:

The XTI TriFan 600 is a conceptual three-rotor vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft in early developmental stages, featuring an intriguing design for five passengers plus a pilot.
Despite being a new concept, the XTI Aircraft team boasts highly experienced leaders from major aviation companies like Sikorsky and Cessna, lending credibility to the project.
The TriFan 600 aims for a cruise speed of around 340 knots and a range of 800 to 1,200 nautical miles, powered by two turboshaft engines driving three ducted fans.
XTI is leveraging new SEC regulations to raise up to $50 million in seed money through crowdfunding to fund its development.

See a mistake? Contact us.

The XTI TriFan 600, a conceptual three-rotor vertical takeoff and landing airplane now in the early developmental stage, would be easy to dismiss as just another fantasy of well-intentioned aviation dreamers. Until you realize who those dreamers are.

The new XTI Aircraft based in Denver is headed by a veteran leadership team that includes Jeff Pino, former president of Sikorsky Aircraft, Charlie Johnson, former president of Cessna Aircraft, Dennis Olcott, former chief engineer at Piper and Adam Aircraft, and David Brody, the founder of XTI who is also responsible for another aviation firm, would-be helicopter maker AVX Aircraft.