The boating industry often offers interesting technological innovations, taking cues from other sectors. As a result, sometimes opening a gateway to the future.

This is the impression that visitors to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, one of the most important boat shows in the world, must have had when they witnessed the presentation of the TriFan 600, the new VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) aircraft. Essentially, a helicopter as fast as a plane that can be used as a tender for a megayacht.

The project developed by XTI Aircraft uses three ducted fans, two on the wings and one in the rear midsection of the fuselage to provide vertical thrust. Once takeoff is achieved, the central fan is closed in its well, and the lateral ones rotate 90 degrees, positioning with the central axis parallel to the ground. At this point, the TriFan 600 is effectively an airplane, with surprising results.

According to the designers, the aircraft will be able to reach a cruising speed of 338 knots in 90 seconds. The operational range will be about 670 miles with vertical takeoff and landing, almost 1300 in conventional conditions for an airplane. The limited fuel consumption is made possible by the hybrid propulsion of the six engines, both internal combustion and electric.

Robert LaBelle, CEO of XTI Aircraft, explained the aspects the project focused on. The TriFan 600 aims to be used point-to-point, from home to the yacht’s helipad. A true ultimate flying tender, available to the boater at any time. The market price will be 6.5 million dollars, slightly more than what is normally required for a six-person helicopter. The focus on economic aspects is also evident in the operating costs, with an estimate of about 350 dollars per hour. Normally, a private jet requires around 1400, a helicopter just over 1000.

The features of the TriFan 600 seem to have convinced the public, as 58 units have already been ordered. A significant number, considering it does not yet exist. As explained by the company, the prototype is in an advanced stage of development, but industrial construction will not begin for at least six years. In fact, it will be at least 2024 before one of these gems lands on a megayacht, perhaps off the Ligurian coast. Meanwhile, the Fort Lauderdale boat show has shown us a glimpse of the future, bringing science fiction ever closer to reality.