XTI Aerospace has named former Mesa Air Group chairman and CEO Jonathan G. Ornstein to its board of directors, adding aviation and deal-making experience as the company expands its presence in the drone and unmanned systems market.

XTI Aerospace has acquired Drone Nerds, one of the largest U.S. drone distributors, in a deal valued at approximately $40 million. The company also closed a $25 million strategic investment from Unusual Machines, strengthening XTI’s vertical flight and UAS capabilities. The acquisition positions both companies to expand U.S. drone leadership amid shifting domestic drone policy and growing enterprise demand.

XTI Aerospace, Inc. announced a technology collaboration with MagLev Aero Inc., the developer of a revolutionary, magnetically levitated electric propulsion platform. XTI is evaluating innovative powertrain solutions to meet the needs of high-value, long-range aviation missions for military and civilian markets with unmanned aircraft vehicles.

XTI Aerospace, Inc., a pioneer in xVTOL and powered-lift aircraft solutions, announced the completion of a propulsion technical familiarization meeting with the Federal Aviation Administration, another completed step forward in XTI's path to certification of the TriFan 600. The TriFan 600 is XTI's vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) airplane.