XTI Aerospace selects Garmin G700 TXi avionics for TriFan 600 xVTOL aircraft
Summary points:
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XTI Aerospace has chosen Garmin’s G700 TXi avionics for its TriFan 600 aircraft.
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The avionics suite offers synthetic vision, advanced flight management, and smart autopilot features.
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TriFan 600 is designed to combine business jet performance with helicopter-style vertical lift.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - XTI Aerospace Inc., a developer of powered-lift aircraft in Englewood, Colo., has selected the Garmin G700 TXi avionics suite for its TriFan 600 aircraft, a business-class vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) plane designed for regional travel.
The choice of avionics from Garmin in Olathe, Kan., marks a milestone in the TriFan 600 program, which aims to combine jet-like speed and range with helicopter-style flexibility.
Situational awareness
The Garmin G700 TXi system, designed for business aviation, offers dual large-format displays with touch controls, Synthetic Vision Technology for terrain and obstacle awareness, advanced flight management tools, satellite weather, dynamic mapping, and seamless integration with autopilot and safety features such as envelope protection and emergency descent mode.
Related: Cirrus adds Garmin's emergency autolanding tech to SR Series G7+ aircraft
The system is also designed with open architecture for integration with the aircraft’s twin turboshaft engine FADECs and optional Garmin systems such as weather radar, data links, and ADS-B.
"This avionics suite is a fantastic match for the TriFan 600," said Don Purdy, senior vice president and interim president of XTI Aircraft. "Garmin's G700 TXi offers the reliability, innovation, and pilot features to efficiently and safely operate the transformational xVTOL aircraft, operating from traditional runways, short runways, heliports and other approved landing areas."
TriFan tech
The TriFan 600 is designed as a fixed-wing aircraft with vertical lift, which XTI combines the speed, range, and comfort of a business jet with the landing versatility of a helicopter. It uses three ducted fans for vertical lift and transitions to forward flight powered by twin turboshaft engines, enabling missions of up to 985 miles at speeds as high as 311 mph.
XTI has developmental flight testing targeted for 2027. The TriFan 600 program aims to serve the business aviation, emergency medical transport, and regional air mobility sectors. XTI said the Garmin agreement underscores its focus on flight safety and scalable, next-generation air mobility technology.
Jamie Whitney
Jamie Whitney joined the staff of Military & Aerospace Electronics and Intelligent Aerospace. He brings seven years of print newspaper experience to the aerospace and defense electronics industry.
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