XTI Aerospace

What XTI Aerospace does

XTI Aerospace is a publicly traded (Nasdaq: XTIA) Nevada-incorporated aerospace company operating two complementary business lines: the XTI Aircraft program developing the TriFan 600 xVTOL (eXtended VTOL) business aircraft, and the wholly-owned Drone Nerds subsidiary, one of the largest U.S. enterprise UAS distribution platforms acquired in November 2025 for approximately $40 million alongside Anzu Robotics. The TriFan 600 is a twin-turboshaft, fixed-wing vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with tilting ducted fans, an F-35B-style unified flight control system, cruise speed of 311 mph, range up to 985 miles, payload for 6-7 occupants, and the ability to burn 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel. It is in active FAA Type Certification, has secured 140+ conditional pre-orders and 154 reservations/options representing $3 billion in potential revenue, and is being developed in partnership with AVX Aircraft Company at a Fort Worth Alliance facility with approximately 40 engineers.

Drone Nerds generates the company's near-term revenue and serves as an OEM-agnostic enterprise UAS distribution and solutions platform, distributing hardware from DJI, Freefly Systems, ABZ Innovation, RigiTech, Creality, XREAL, Antigravity, Sentera, ideaForge, and Wingtra. It bundles distribution with the Always Flying lifecycle support program, fleet management, training, integration, and resale of enterprise software including Agremo's AI crop analytics. Reported 2025 pro forma revenue was $121.6 million at a 22.0% gross margin; Q1 2026 revenue was $27.7 million; full-year 2026 guidance is $160 million or greater. Customer segments span enterprise and defense (the primary segment via NDAA-compliant UAS), agriculture, construction/energy/inspection/mining/insurance, public safety and government, business aviation and air medical (TriFan 600 future), and consumer creators.

The business model combines one-time hardware sales (Drone Nerds distribution, future TriFan 600 deliveries) with enterprise services, subscription/recurring revenue (Agremo software resale), and emerging managed services from defense UAS contracts. The company has applied for DIU RIMES, DIU CADDS, and DARPA Lift Challenge defense programs and divested its legacy Inpixon RTLS business in February 2026 for approximately $5.48 million to focus capital on the drone and UAS market. Supporting divisions include DarkStar Labs (AI/autonomy engineering) and Hangar X Studios (media and podcasting).

Name

XTI Aerospace

Legal name

XTI Aerospace, Inc.

Website

https://xtiaerospace.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

XTI Aerospace is a publicly traded aerospace company developing the TriFan 600 xVTOL business aircraft and operating Drone Nerds, a leading U.S. enterprise drone distribution platform serving commercial, government, defense, agriculture, and public safety customers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Aircraft & Enterprise UAS Distribution

NAICS

Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641), Aircraft Manufacturing (336411)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Aircraft (3721), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)

akta.pro primary industry

VTOL & Hybrid UAV Platforms (IMABAIAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Business & General Aviation Aircraft Manufacturing (IMABAAAC)

Keywords

• Vertical lift aircraft
• VTOL business aviation
• Enterprise UAS distribution
• Unmanned aircraft systems
• Drone solutions platform

Headquarters

HQ city

Englewood

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Drone Nerds Drone Distribution: Distribution of enterprise and consumer unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) hardware, software, payloads, and accessories through the Drone Nerds platform. Generated over $121 million in revenue in 2025; serving enterprise, government, and defense customers.
2. Drone Nerds Enterprise Services: Enterprise drone services including fleet management, training, integration, lifecycle support, and Always Flying™ reliability program across public safety, government, agriculture, construction, energy, inspection, and other verticals.
3. UAS Software & Analytics Resale: Enterprise software resale and integration, including AI-powered platforms such as Agremo crop monitoring and field analytics for agriculture customers, sold through the Drone Nerds enterprise sales team.
4. TriFan 600 Pre-orders and Reservations: Future revenue from conditional aircraft pre-orders (140+), reservations, and options for the TriFan 600 xVTOL business aircraft representing $3 billion in potential revenue. Conditional pre-order from Mesa Airlines for up to 100 aircraft noted.
5. Government & Defense UAS Contracts: Emerging revenue from U.S. government and defense drone programs, with applications submitted for DIU/DARPA initiatives (RIMES, CADDS, DARPA Lift Challenge) for unmanned systems deployment and logistics.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

XTI Aerospace develops the TriFan 600, a flagship xVTOL (eXtended VTOL) business aircraft with twin-turboshaft engines burning 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel, and operates Drone Nerds, a U.S. enterprise UAS distribution and solutions platform acquired in November 2025 for approximately $40 million. The company combines pre-revenue aerospace technology development with a revenue-generating drone distribution business generating over $121 million in pro forma 2025 revenue.

Product overview

XTI Aerospace is a platform-plus-modules aerospace company built around two complementary business lines. The XTI Aircraft business is developing the TriFan 600, its flagship xVTOL (eXtended VTOL) business aircraft — a twin-turboshaft, tilting-ducted-fan, fixed-wing VTOL targeting business aviation, medical, cargo, and defense markets. The Drone Nerds business (acquired November 2025 for ~$40M, plus Anzu Robotics) is the revenue-generating enterprise UAS distribution and solutions platform, distributing OEM hardware from DJI, Freefly Systems, ABZ Innovation, RigiTech, Creality, XREAL, Sentera, ideaforge, and others, alongside integrated software like Agremo's AI crop analytics. Supporting sub-brands include DarkStar Labs (AI/autonomy engineering division) and Hangar X Studios (media/podcast arm). The TriFan 600 program and Drone Nerds UAS operations are complementary halves of XTI's "Vertical Economy" strategy, with DarkStar Labs supplying AI/autonomy R&D across both.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Drone Nerds: Enterprise drone solutions, distribution, and services platform; founded 2014; acquired by XTI Aerospace in November 2025 for approximately $40 million.
• XTI Aircraft
• DarkStar Labs
• Hangar X Studios
• xVTOL
• Vertical Economy

Products and services

• TriFan 600 xVTOL Aircraft Flagship xVTOL (eXtended VTOL) business aircraft with twin turboshaft engines capable of burning 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel, tilting ducted fans, F-35B-modeled unified flight control, cruise speed of 311 mph, range up to ~985 miles, payload up to 7 occupants, and 140+ conditional pre-orders representing $3 billion in potential revenue. Targets business aviation, air medical, cargo, and defense markets.
• Drone Nerds Enterprise UAS Distribution & Solutions Platform Florida-based UAS solutions platform and one of the largest enterprise drone distributors in the U.S., acquired by XTI Aerospace in November 2025. Serves commercial, enterprise, public safety, and government customers with platform selection, training, integration, fleet management, lifecycle support, and the Always Flying program, distributing hardware from DJI, Freefly Systems, ABZ Innovation, RigiTech, Creality, XREAL, and other OEMs alongside analytics and software integrations.
• DarkStar Labs Aerospace Engineering Division

Quantifiable outcome

• 2025 full-year pro forma revenue of $121.6 million with 22.0% gross profit margin
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability4 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• RigiTech (Rigi Technologies SA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 June 2026XTI Aerospace's Drone Nerds subsidiary entered a collaboration with Switzerland-based RigiTech to add the RigiTech Eiger long-range delivery drone to its enterprise solutions portfolio. The Eiger offers up to 62 miles (100 km) range, 59 minutes of flight time, 3 kg payload capacity, and BVLOS operations for medical delivery, site-to-site transport, and remote location logistics. The partnership supports RigiTech's U.S. market expansion while strengthening Drone Nerds' enterprise drone offerings.
• Agremo Ltd.coreTechnology or Integration · 19 May 2026Drone Nerds added Agremo Ltd.'s AI-powered crop monitoring and field analytics platform to its agricultural enterprise solutions portfolio, enabling customers to transform drone and satellite imagery into actionable agronomic insights for crop monitoring, spray planning, and field operations. Features include stand count analysis, weed detection, spray prescription maps, and plant health alerts. Sold through Drone Nerds' enterprise sales team as part of an AI-powered agriculture workflow strategy.
• Freefly SystemscoreTechnology or Integration · 30 January 2026Drone Nerds expanded its enterprise payload offerings with Freefly Systems' FLUX LiDAR series (H1, O1, L1 variants) designed for high-precision mapping, NDAA-compliant regulated environments, and long-range wide-area applications. Also added Freefly's Alta X Gen2 heavy-lift drone in standard and NDAA-compliant configurations. The LiDAR payloads integrate with Freefly Systems Smart Dovetail platforms and DJI Skyport-enabled aircraft.
• DJIcoreTechnology or Integration · 29 January 2026Drone Nerds added the DJI RS 5 gimbal stabilizer (supports payloads up to 6.6 lbs with intelligent tracking when paired with DJI's Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Module) to its professional gimbal lineup. Available through Drone Nerds' online store for enterprise and government customers.
• Dynamic Aerospace Systems (DAS)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 December 2025Unusual Machines (strategic investor in XTI) entered a strategic supplier agreement with Dynamic Aerospace Systems to integrate U.S.-made drone components into DAS's drone platforms; supports U.S. drone and VTOL ecosystem growth and aligns with XTI's positioning around domestic drone manufacturing.
• Valkyrie AIcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 October 2025XTI Aerospace appointed Dr. Alex Williams as EVP of Technology to oversee integration of AI and mesh networking technologies with Valkyrie AI into the TriFan aircraft family, accelerating development of autonomous and AI-enhanced vertical flight solutions.
• Valkyrie SciencescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 October 2025XTI Aerospace invested $2 million in Valkryrie Sciences and partnered on the Vanguard Platform, an AI-driven VTOL aircraft system. Collaboration leverages Valkryrie's AI, mesh intelligence, and composite materials expertise to enhance XTI's TriFan 600 program.
• MagLev AerominorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 July 2025XTI Aerospace and MagLev Aero partnership to evaluate integration of MagLev's HyperDrive electric propulsion technology into XTI's aircraft and UAVs. Includes a non-binding pre-order for up to 100 MagLev HyperDrive systems. Aims to develop highly efficient, quiet, high-speed electric aircraft.
• VerdeGo AerominorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 May 2025XTI Aerospace signed a memorandum of understanding with VerdeGo Aero for technology collaboration around the TriFan 600 VTOL aircraft and possible uncrewed aircraft systems. Exploring VerdeGo's hybrid-electric VH4-T propulsion system for application on TriFan 600 and uncrewed military/civil aircraft.
• AVX Aircraft CompanyflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2024Strategic partnership formed in June 2024 to develop and certify the TriFan 600, a fixed-wing vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. AVX Aircraft (Fort Worth-based, ~40 engineers at Alliance facility with plans to double workforce within a year) brings expertise as a U.S. military defense contractor and aviation research and engineering company with vertical lift and unmanned aircraft specialization. Includes LOI to expedite TriFan 600 development and certification.
• DarkStar LabscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDarkStar Labs is a division of XTI Aerospace that advances applied engineering and mission-focused technology development for real-world platforms. Specializes in advanced aerospace systems, combining AI, data-driven autonomy, and precision mechanical design to expand operational possibilities across domains.
• Mesa AirlinesflagshipOthersMesa Airlines made a conditional pre-order for up to 100 TriFan 600 aircraft and an associated investment, validating market demand and providing a critical anchor customer. Jonathan G. Ornstein, former chairman and CEO of Mesa Air Group, was appointed to XTI's Board of Directors effective February 1, 2026.
• ThinkEquityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThinkEquity served as M&A advisor on the $40 million Drone Nerds acquisition and sole placement agent on a $20 million common stock offering (1,454,546 shares at $13.75/share). XTI Aerospace also presented at The ThinkEquity Conference on October 30, 2025.

Scale indicators17 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Joby Aviation: Pioneering eVTOL air-taxi developer pursuing FAA Type Certification with a piloted tiltrotor aircraft. Most directly comparable to XTI in the VTOL business-aviation category, though Joby is electric-ducted-fan versus XTI's turboshaft/SAF architecture and is several years ahead in flight testing.
• Archer Aviation: Public eVTOL company developing a piloted four-seat tiltrotor for urban air mobility with United Airlines and Stellantis partnerships. Closely comparable target market (business aviation, regional air mobility) and similar public-market dynamics to XTI Aerospace.
• Beta Technologies: Private eVTOL company developing the Alia aircraft for passenger, cargo, and medical-mission markets. Comparable in vertical-lift crossover ambition and pursuit of business/medical/defense customers, though Beta's all-electric design differs from XTI's turboshaft/SAF propulsion choice.
• Vertical Aerospace: UK-based eVTOL developer pursuing FAA/EASA certification of a piloted electric VTOL for urban air mobility, with American Airlines and Virgin Atlantic pre-orders. Comparable business-aviation VTOL positioning and pre-order-driven equity narrative.
• Eve Air Mobility: Embraer subsidiary developing an eVTOL air-taxi and a comprehensive urban air mobility ecosystem including service and support. Comparable in targeting business/regional aviation customers with a VTOL crossover aircraft, though backed by a Tier 1 airframer.
• Skydio: Leading U.S. manufacturer of NDAA-compliant autonomous drones serving enterprise, public safety, and defense markets. Directly comparable to Drone Nerds' distribution portfolio on the domestic/compliant UAS side, though Skydio manufactures rather than distributes a multi-brand catalog.
• Autel Robotics: Global drone manufacturer competing in the enterprise and prosumer UAS market. Comparable to Drone Nerds' multi-brand distribution thesis as a brand-and-channel alternative, and indirectly competitive given that Drone Nerds distributes DJI and other competing OEMs.

Emerging players

• EHang: Chinese autonomous aerial vehicle company with type certification in China and broader ambitions in passenger and logistics VTOL. Compares to XTI's vertical-lift crossover aircraft ambition, though China-domestic regulatory progress has limited U.S. commercialization relevance.
• PrecisionHawk: U.S. drone-services and analytics provider serving enterprise, agriculture, and infrastructure verticals. Comparable to Drone Nerds' verticalized enterprise services and Agremo-style analytics bundling, with overlap in agriculture and inspection segments.

Broad incumbents

• Textron Aviation: Major general-aviation and business-aircraft manufacturer (Cessna, Beechcraft) and parent of Bell, which is developing the Bell Nexus eVTOL. Comparable to XTI's business-aviation VTOL ambitions as an established broad-line aviation incumbent, with substantially deeper certification and capital resources.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@XTIAerospace
• Facebookfacebook.com/xtiaerospace
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/xti-aerospace
• Instagraminstagram.com/xtiaerospace/?hl=en

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds7 records

Investors3 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about XTI Aerospace