The TriFan 600 is referred to as a Vertical Lift Crossover Airplane (VLCA) by XTI to differentiate its range and speed from the many short-range, low-speed electric VTOL (eVTOL) aircraft under development.

[1] Based on test data, modifications were made to the proof-of-concept vehicle, and it was then disassembled and transported to the Northrop Grumman private airport site near Howell, Utah, in December 2019.

The company concluded that given uncertainties around the technical maturity of novel propulsion systems, an evolving regulatory environment, and the need to develop an entirely new battery/hydrogen charging infrastructure network, it was prudent to de-risk the program by first seeking FAA certification with two reliable, proven turboshaft engines capable of operating on 100% sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).

As technology matures and becomes commercially viable, regulations are clearly defined, and charging infrastructure developed, the company intends to incorporate hybrid-electric and eventually all-electric propulsion in the TriFan 600.

[citation needed] On July 24, 2023, XTI Aircraft and Inpixon, a provider of real-time locating systems, entered into a definitive merger agreement, which if completed will result in a combined publicly traded company that will focus on advancing the XTI TriFan 600 to market, as well as continuing to offer Inpixon’s real-time location systems technology to manufacturing and warehousing facilities for streamlined operations, greater efficiency, and improved safety.

It will be powered by two turboshaft engines operating three ducted fans: two pivoting on a cross-shaft forward of the wings and one in the aft fuselage, lifting the aircraft in VTOL mode.