Large-Scale Prototype Succeeds In Full-Wing Forward Flight

Horizon Aircraft, Canadian-based developer of hybrid eVTOL aircraft, announced its Cavorite X7 large-scale prototype successfully completed a flight during which it transitioned from vertical takeoff to full-wing horizontal forward flight, a major step in the development of the aircraft.

The Cavorite X7 is a hybrid eVTOL aircraft that blends a conventional aircraft engine with battery-powered fans embedded in the wings. The main wing is swept forward and there is a smaller set of horizontal canard-like stabilizers on the forward fuselage. There are twin-boom stabilizers in the rear and a monocoque cabin with room for six plus the pilot.

The significant difference between the Cavorite 7X and other eVTOLs under development is that, in contrast to exposed rotors providing vertical thrust, the Cavorite uses fans that are embedded in both wings and canard and are hidden by sliding panels that operate in a fashion similar to slats and flaps on conventional airliners.

The panels are opened to initiate vertical takeoff, and when the aircraft gets to altitude, the pusher engine propels the aircraft until forward motion is established and stable, and then the panels are closed for cruise. Upon reaching the destination, forward thrust is reduced as the panels are opened, and vertical descent is then executed.

Brandon Robinson, CEO and co-founder of Horizon Aircraft said, “Today, we join a very small group of companies worldwide that have achieved this critical technical milestone. From the beginning, we have focused on innovations that make the most operational sense with the best available technology. We are looking forward to proving this next on our full-scale, piloted technical demonstrator that is currently under construction.”

Brian Robinson, Brandon's father, Chief Engineer and co-founder said,“This incredible achievement validates our unique and robust approach to the transition phase of flight. In our aircraft, the transition phase was designed from the beginning to be a non-event, as there are no complicated multi-copter rotating nacelles or heavy tilt-wing mechanisms, and we have multiple layers of redundancy.”

FMI:  www.horizonaircraft.com/