XTI Aerospace, a VTOL and powered-lift aircraft solutions company, has announced the launch of the XTI Aerospace Prototyping and Innovation Lab within The Hive in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The Hive is a one-of-a-kind hybrid business accelerator and incubator focused on vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
This new lab is designed to accelerate the development of XTI’s flagship powered-lift aircraft, the TriFan 600, initially focused on advancing the subscale model, code-named “Sparrow,” and progress toward the construction of a more advanced model, “Kestrel,” which will be crucial in enhancing key elements such as flight control systems and aerodynamics.
Under the leadership of Professor Robert Lunnie, an expert in VTOL systems and an Aerospace Professor at the University of North Dakota, the team will work to optimize the aircraft’s performance capabilities and develop a cutting-edge flight control center. Professor Lunnie has assembled a highly skilled team dedicated to the development of XTI’s subscale models.
XTI Aerospace anticipates that this new lab will help to not only enhance the design and flight capabilities of the TriFan 600 but also contribute to the broader advancement of aviation technology. By leveraging The Hive’s collaborative environment and utilizing the expertise and resources within the Grand Forks aerospace community, XTI is positioning itself to remain at the forefront of the VTOL and powered-lift industries.