Powered-Lift Specialist XTI Explores Uncrewed, Magnetically Powered Aircraft

Nonbinding preorder placed for 100 MagLev Aero HyperDrive propulsion systems.

Jack Daleo

Thursday, July 03, 2025 at 04:25 PM ET

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Jack Daleo

XTI could incorporate MagLev’s magnetically levitated electric propulsion system on a future uncrewed aircraft. [Courtesy: XTI Aerospace]

Key Takeaways:

XTI Aerospace is collaborating with MagLev Aero to explore HyperDrive, a novel magnetically levitated electric propulsion system, for future aircraft.
HyperDrive aims to significantly improve aircraft efficiency, reduce noise, and prevent thrust-losing tip vortices by using magnetic bearings and directly driving blade tips.
This advanced propulsion technology is intended for a new family of uncrewed, hybrid-electric aircraft for "high-value, long-range" civil and military missions.
The partnership includes a nonbinding preorder for 100 HyperDrive systems, contingent on successful installation on an XTI aircraft.

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A Colorado-based developer of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) business aircraft is exploring the use of the same magnetically levitated electric propulsion that powers high-speed trains.

According to MagLev Aero president and CEO Ian Randall, such a system has never been used in operational aircraft. That could change, though, after manufacturer XTI Aerospace on Thursday announced it will explore MagLev’s HyperDrive platform for a future family of uncrewed, hybrid-electric aircraft.