XTI Aerospace Chooses Garmin G700 TXi for TriFan 600
XTI Aerospace has selected the Garmin G700 TXi avionics suite for its flagship TriFan 600, a cutting-edge xVTOL aircraft. This marks a significant advancement in cockpit technology, safety, and readiness for the next era of regional business aviation.
A Significant Development in Aviation
The TriFan 600 is not your average aircraft. It possesses the unique capability to take off vertically like a helicopter from diverse locations such as helipads, golf courses, or remote fields and then cruise at speeds up to 345 mph across 700 miles with jet-like comfort. This vehicle combines the aesthetics of a business jet with the futuristic functionality of a VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft, revolutionizing the way executives, medical teams, or VIPs travel—swiftly, flexibly, and stylishly.
The pilot’s domain—or cockpit—benefits immensely from the Garmin G700 TXi.
The Garmin G700 TXi: A State-of-the-Art Solution
The Garmin G700 TXi is more than just a display; it is a comprehensive “glass cockpit” system designed for high-performance, next-generation aircraft. Here’s what distinguishes it:
- Bright, large touchscreens (10.6” and 7”) for clear visibility and user-friendly control—even during turbulent flights.
- Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT™): Provides realistic 3D visualization of terrain, obstacles, and airports for enhanced situational awareness, especially in challenging weather or busy airspaces.
- Dynamic maps and charts featuring real-time satellite weather updates—ensuring full awareness of your location and surroundings.
- Advanced autopilot including envelope protection and emergency descent modes for superior safety.
- Integrated interfaces for engine data, weather radar, data links (ADS-B, etc.), keeping pilots informed and connected.
- Open system architecture designed for seamless integration with the TriFan 600’s twin turboshaft engines and digital control units (FADECs), allowing smooth real-time engine management.
This system caters to the evolving demands of business aviation by combining reliability and flexibility.
Why Garmin G700 TXi? XTI Aerospace’s Perspective
“Our aircraft requires an avionics solution that is as groundbreaking as our design,” states Don Purdy, SVP and Interim President at XTI Aircraft. “The Garmin G700 TXi offers the reliability, innovative features, and pilot-friendly controls that enhance the TriFan 600’s capabilities—whether operating from a regional airport, urban heliport, or remote landing site.”
This choice ensures pilots can fully capitalize on xVTOL flight potential, integrating jet-level situational awareness with the required flexibility for next-gen VTOL operations.
TriFan 600: Breaking Down the Features
What makes the TriFan 600 so compelling?
- Passenger Capacity: Up to 6 passengers plus 1 pilot.
- Speed: Reaches up to 345 mph (555 km/h).
- Altitude: Max cruising altitude of 25,000 ft (7,620 meters).
- Range: Up to 700 miles (1,126 km) in VTOL; 850 miles (1,360 km) with conventional takeoff/landing.
- Propulsion: Dual turboshaft engines powering three ducted fans (pivoting wing fans for VTOL mode and one aft fan).
- Safety: Conventional runway and vertical emergency landings are possible; IFR certified with advanced “fly-by-wire” controls.
- Structure: Constructed from all-composite carbon fiber for maximum strength and lightweight.
- Future Projections: Plans to advance towards hybrid-electric or fully electric propulsion as technologies evolve.
The TriFan 600 is set to create new paths for business, medical, government, and VIP air travel, overcoming traditional runway and remote location barriers.
Progressing Towards FAA Certification
The TriFan 600 is advancing through FAA certification under Part 23 regulations, with commercial service expected by the end of the decade. This means it’s being designed for real-world operations with a focus on safety and reliability, not just as a concept.
- Milestones: Completion of FAA’s “structures technical familiarization” and continuing hybrid-electric platform tests, alongside future propulsion technologies like potential MagLev HyperDrive fan tech.
- Construction: Made from full carbon fiber composite for wings and fuselage, emphasizing safety and robust performance.
- Collaborative Innovation: Partnering with regulatory bodies and tech developers to push boundaries with transparency and risk management in focus.
Shifting Aviation’s Landscape
xVTOL aircraft like the TriFan 600 signify a transformative shift in aviation—bridging helicopters and jets. The vision? Seamlessly linking city centers and remote sites without the delays of traditional infrastructure.
- Business Executives: Cuts travel time by landing straight at business campuses or inner-city locations.
- Medical Response: Reaches hospitals or remote clinics rapidly, bypassing usual air transport delays.
- Urban Mobility: VTOLs and air taxis become more feasible with high-performance avionics and flexible flight infrastructure.
The TriFan 600, equipped with the G700 TXi, is a prototype for advanced avionics playing a pivotal role in the VTOL evolution at scale.
Garmin G700 TXi: Enhancing Pilot Experience
For pilots, the G700 TXi focuses on more than technical specs—it emphasizes usability:
- User-Friendliness: Touchscreen interfaces, “tap and go” flight planning, intuitive alerts improve focus and situational awareness.
- Reduced Pilot Workload: Smart autopilot and real-time diagnostics shift focus from troubleshooting to mission execution.
- Training and Transition: Pilots familiar with Garmin systems can adapt to the TriFan 600 with minimal retraining.
Practical Benefits for Stakeholders
- Aircraft Owners/Operators: Faster returns on investment, adaptable missions, enhanced safety, and tech longevity.
- Pilots: Cutting-edge cockpit, reduced operational load, improved mission effectiveness.
- Passengers: Jet-level comfort with direct destination access and enhanced safety features.
- Cities/Regions: Enhanced accessibility, accelerated air mobility, and new economic opportunities.
Interesting Tidbits
– Reminiscent of “James Bond” or “Blade Runner,” the TriFan 600 embodies the personal VTOL concepts seen in futuristic narratives.
– Aviation communities refer to xVTOL craft as high-tech “flying Ubers.”
– Envision versatile drone-like capabilities for urban air taxi services, emergency responses, or executive travel.
Conclusion: XTI’s Legacy
XTI Aerospace is driven by innovation, blending the expertise of aviation veterans with fresh ideas to push the horizons of flight. Their focus on adaptability and state-of-the-art technology positions them at the forefront of the aviation industry’s evolving landscape.
