Horizon Aircraft Builds Hybrid eVTOL Test Prototype

Canada-based Horizon Aircraft has completed build-out of a half-size prototype of its hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft dubbed Cavorite X5.

Thom Patterson

Monday, August 08, 2022 at 03:39 PM ET

Verified

The prototype hybrid eVTOL 'will yield valuable information that will help to reduce technical risk as we move forward with detailed design of our full-scale aircraft,' said CEO Brandon Robinson. [Courtesy: Horizon Aircraft]

Key Takeaways:

Horizon Aircraft has completed a half-size prototype of its Cavorite X5 hybrid electric eVTOL aircraft, which will be used for initial flight testing to reduce technical risk for the full-scale design.
The Cavorite X5 features a unique propulsion system with 16 ducted fans and a pusher propeller, powered by a hybrid electric system (gas engine and batteries).
This hybrid design allows the aircraft to fly most of its mission like a traditional aircraft, offering in-flight battery recharging, system redundancy, and potentially simpler certification compared to fully electric eVTOLs.
The full-scale Cavorite X5 is expected to carry four passengers and one pilot, with a maximum cruise speed of 240 knots and a range of 270 nautical miles.

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Canada-based Horizon Aircraft has finished building a half-size prototype of its hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, dubbed Cavorite X5.

With a wingspan measuring 22 feet and expected speeds of more than 135 knots, the 15-foot-long prototype “will yield valuable information that will help to reduce technical risk as we move forward with detailed design of our full-scale aircraft,” said CEO Brandon Robinson in an August 2 news release.