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

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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 building a half-size prototype of its Cavorite X5, a hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, preparing for initial flight tests.
The Cavorite X5 features a unique design with ducted fans that are covered during horizontal flight, allowing it to fly 98 percent of its mission in a low-drag configuration like a traditional aircraft.
Its hybrid-electric propulsion system combines a gas engine and electric batteries, providing in-flight battery recharging, redundancy, and a design intended for easier certification compared to fully electric eVTOLs.

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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.