In this episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Steve Zohabian, Chief Operating Officer at XTI Aerospace, to discuss how the company is reshaping the future of flight with the TriFan 600. From DARPA’s “Frankenstein” Learjet experiment to the next generation of vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, Steve shares how XTI is leveraging proven technology, agile processes, and a visionary team to unlock what he calls the “vertical skyway.” This conversation covers the technical, regulatory, and business challenges of advanced air mobility—and why XTI’s hybrid approach is poised to change aviation forever.

Episode Highlights

• XTI Aerospace’s bold vision for the TriFan 600 and the “vertical skyway”

• The “cookbook” of people, tools, and processes to accelerate innovation

• DARPA’s Sprint program and the “Frankenstein Learjet” experiment

• Lessons learned from ducted fan technology and rapid prototyping

• Balancing certification, safety, and innovation in aviation

• The multi-mission versatility of the TriFan 600: passenger, cargo, and military use cases

• Why funding, trust, and credible execution will drive the next phase of aerospace transformation

Key Points with Timestamps

• [00:00:00] – Steve Zohabian introduces the concept of opening a “new skyway” for vertical and conventional takeoff.

• [00:01:50] – John reviews Steve’s background: Piasecki Aircraft, Boeing, and ducted fan expertise.

• [00:03:27] – The “cookbook” for scaling aerospace innovation: people, tools, and processes.

• [00:04:36] – The DARPA “Sprint” program and how Piasecki created a demonstrator in record time.

• [00:05:31] – Transforming a Learjet into a vertical takeoff aircraft: the “Frankenstein” design.

• [00:06:31] – Importance of ingenuity, supply chain trust, and engineering agility.

• [00:07:14] – Lessons from ducted fan technology and breaking new ground.

• [00:08:14] – Comparing legacy aerospace with new innovators: leapfrogging technology.

• [00:09:05] – The roadmap: prototype, certification, and production.

• [00:10:03] – Balancing engineering design with FAA certification requirements.

• [00:10:56] – Safety first: early engagement with the FAA and proven supply chains.

• [00:12:11] – The “vertical skyway” vision and how it differs from eVTOL infrastructure limits.

• [00:13:14] – Market differentiation: TriFan can take off conventionally, on short runways, or vertically.

• [00:14:45] – Beyond high-net-worth users: cargo logistics, dual-use, and military applications.

• [00:15:43] – The biggest challenge ahead: funding and building investor confidence.

• [00:17:07] – The 90-day plan: review decisions, establish a baseline, and align with the FAA.

• [00:19:19] – Why Steve chose XTI: the perfect moment to harness decades of innovation.

Guest Bio: Steve Zohabian

Steve Zohabian is the Chief Operating Officer at XTI Aerospace, where he leads efforts to bring the groundbreaking TriFan 600 vertical takeoff and landing aircraft into production. Previously, Steve served as COO of Piasecki Aircraft, where he spearheaded the transformation into a next-generation VTOL company and led DARPA’s Sprint program. With deep engineering and leadership experience at Boeing on programs like the V-22 Osprey and Chinook, Steve is recognized as one of the leading experts in ducted fan technology. His career reflects a unique blend of technical innovation and executive leadership, positioning him to drive XTI’s mission of opening the vertical skyway.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/zohrabian

About XTI Aerospace

XTI Aerospace is an aviation company dedicated to transforming air travel through its development of the TriFan 600, a revolutionary vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Combining the convenience of a helicopter with the speed and range of a business jet, the TriFan 600 is designed for point-to-point travel without the need for new infrastructure. XTI focuses on creating safe, efficient, and versatile aircraft that can serve multiple markets, from regional mobility and business travel to cargo and military applications. With a leadership team experienced in aerospace innovation and certification, the company is working to open what it calls a new “vertical skyway,” redefining how people and goods move across regions.

Notable Quotes

• “We’re opening up really the opportunity for folks to land and take off wherever they want—ultimately bringing the holy grail of flight.” – Steve Zohabian [00:00:00]

• “People, tools, and processes—that’s the cookbook for transformation.” – Steve Zohabian [00:03:27]

• “We chopped off the wings, put ducted fans on, and turned a Learjet into a piece of art.” – Steve Zohabian [00:05:57]

• “Leapfrog technology, but take a credible approach when it comes to certification.” – Steve Zohabian [00:08:14]